Newcastle vs West Brom preview: Saido Berahino faces the team who wanted him so badly

A look ahead to the Premier League fixture at St James’ Park

Saido Berahino is keen to leave West Brom (Getty Images)

Newcastle vs West Brom:

Dimitri Kondonis

It’s a big game for…

Saido Berahino - the England Under-21 international was heavily criticised after trying to force a move to Tottenham in the summer, only to be denied. He was once again subject of a gigantic bid from Saturday’s opponents in January, but again it was denied. If he makes an appearance, he could prove a game-changer.

Best stat…

2: Only two wins separate the sides in their league head-to-head record. The Magpies have 44 wins over the Baggies, who narrowly fall short with 42 wins.

Remember when…

Ayoze Perez announced himself in England with this lovely strike? It was the Spaniard’s third in as many games and a wonderful way to seal a 2-0 victory.

Player to watch…

Seydou Doumbia: The Ivory Coast international signed for the Toon on loan after becoming a hate figure at Roma. He can be prolific – at CSKA Moscow he scored 61 goals in 95 appearances – and Newcastle need him to make an immediate impact, starting against the Baggies.

Past three-meetings…

West Brom 1 (Fletcher) Newcastle 0, Premier League, December 2015

Newcastle 1 (Perez) West Brom 1 (Anichebe), Premier League, May 2015

West Brom 0 Newcastle 2 (Perez, Coloccini), Premier League, November 2014

Form guide…

Newcastle:LLDWLL

West Brom: DLWDDD

Vital information…

KICK-OFF TIME: 3pm Saturday

TV: Highlights on BBC1