West Bromwich Albion v Cardiff City: Premier League match preview

A look ahead to Saturday’s Premier League fixture at the Hawthrons

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West Brom host fellow Premier League strugglers Cardiff City this weekend knowing a win will steer them away from the relegation zone. The Baggies have only have won two leagues since the turn of the year and their poor run of form hasn’t gone down well with the supporters – following Steve Clarke’s controversial sacking.

It’s been a regular theme for managers to get sacked this term, and since taking over the helm at Cardiff Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has struggled to put points on the board earlier than he intended. Since February the Premier League newcomers have lost six of their last nine league games as they are currently placed 19 – three points adrift of safety.

But West Brom’s chances of winning this Saturday strengthened when they received a triple injury boost with Gareth McAuley (ankle), Morgan Amalfitano and Diego Lugano (both knee) all being declared fit for the visit of the Bluebirds after overcoming injuries. At this time of the season these games are widely considered six-pointers and both teams will no doubt be in defiant moods to end their bad run of form.

KICK-OFF: Saturday, 3pm.

PAST THREE MEETINGS:

Cardiff 1 (Whittingham) West Brom 0, Premier League, December 2013.

West Brom 4 (Odemwingie, Cox 3) Cardiff 2 (Earnshaw, Mason), FA Cup, January 2012

Cardiff 1 (Whittingham) West Brom 1 (Zuiverloon), Championship, February 2010

STATS

Peter Whittingham has scored in each of the last three encounters against West Brom.

West Brom have won just one of their last 10 games at the Hawthorns; their last came against Newcastle on New Year’s Day.

Cardiff City and West Brom have only played each other once in the Premier League.

West Brom have drawn their last four league games at home with a 1-1 scoreline.

Despite making 17 of his 21 appearances from the substitutes bench Sadio Berahino remains the Baggies’ top goalscorers with four goals this campaign.

ODDS

West Brom win: 1.85

Cardiff win: 4.90

Draw: 3.85

TV: Highlights on BBC 1, Match of the Day, 10:30