West Brom vs Newcastle United: Premier League match preview

A look ahead to this weekend's Premier League fixture at The Hawthorns

Saido Berahino, 21, has been called up after scoring eight goals for West Bromwich Albion this season (Getty Images)

West Brom face Newcastle in relatively good form, winning two, drawing two and losing just one in their last five outings. Newcastle however, have won their last three Premier League outings.

LIVE: West Brom vs Newcastle latest

It’s safe to say The Baggies are enjoying life with Saido Berahino leading the front line, the young Englishman scoring seven in nine Premier League games this season. It’s no surprise to see therefore that Roy Hodgson gave him his first international call up midweek.

After a fairly shaky start, Alan Irvine has done a commendable job at steadying the ship, but they face a big test against an in-form Newcastle side.

Alan Pardew’s men have won their last four games in all competitions, beating Tottenham, Liverpool and Manchester City on the way. Their resurrection in form has led to ‘Alan Pardew back from the dead’ banners being displayed around St James’ Park.

Young Ayoze Perez has now scored two in two, with winners both against Spurs and Liverpool. Combined with an in-form Moussa Sissoko, Newcastle are now a side which defences real problems.

KICK-OFF: Sunday, 1.30pm

PAST THREE MEETINGS…

West Brom 1 (Berahino) Newcastle 0, Premier League, January 2014

Newcastle 2 (Gouffran, Sissoko) West Brom 1 (Brunt), Premier League, November 2013

West Brom 1 (Jones) Newcastle 1 (Gouffran), Premier League, April 2013

STATS…

West Brom and Newcastle have played 15 games since their last goalless draw.

After ten games last season Newcastle were on 14 points, a point better off than they are now.

Along with Liverpool, West Brom are the only other side in the Premier League to have an even goal difference of zero. The Baggies have scored 13 and conceded 13.

ODDS…

West Brom to win: 2.25

Newcastle to win: 3.2

Draw: 3.4

CLASSIC MOMENT/MATCH

In 2010, whilst both these teams were in the Championship they drew each other in the fourth round of the FA Cup. West Brom ran out 4-2 winners on the day. Both sides had a scorer who bagged two goals, Graham Dorrans for West Brom and Andy Carroll for Newcastle. West Brom were eliminated in a fifth round replay against Reading.

TV: Live on Sky Sports 1 at 1.30pm, highlights on BBC1 at 10.30pm.