Verdict: Newcastle to win and both teams to score
Best Odds: 10/3
Bookmaker: Bet 365
West Bromwich Albion will aim on keeping their faint survival hopes alive when they travel to Newcastle on Saturday. We make our prediction on the clash from St James’ Park.
Newcastle
It’s fair to say that Newcastle have had their fair shares of ups and downs this season. Off the field issues continue to surround the club, but they can certainly be pleased with how they have performed in the league. Rafa Benitez’s men’s recent four-game winning run came to an end against Everton on Monday night. However, the Magpies have managed to make St James’ Park a fortress once again. It is now eight matches without a loss in front of their home fans in all competitions – a stretch leading all the way back to December. This superb run of form has been the main reason Newcastle have been able to steer clear of the relegation zone, and they find themselves 12 points ahead of 18th placed Southampton. Nonetheless, the North-East club will be looking to prove their loss to Everton was just a blip by beating basement club West Brom on Saturday and carrying some momentum into next season.
Team News
Christian Atsu was forced to miss the match on Monday due to injury and it is unclear whether he will return against West Brom.
West Bromwich Albion
Even though West Bromwich Albion have improved since the appointment of caretaker coach Darren Moore, it seems they are still destined for Championship football next season. Only three games remain for the Baggies, and they are eight points behind 17th placed Swansea City – who have played a match less. Moore’s men are unbeaten in three fixtures now, and their impressive 1-0 victory against Manchester United was followed by an unlikely draw last weekend to Liverpool. It is still hard to place any kind of confidence into a team that had lost nine in a row before this mini run of form though. The Midlands team have an awful record away from home which stands at just two wins and 11 losses out of 17 played. Only a victory at St James’ Park will give West Brom any chance of avoiding relegation on Saturday, and even then they could be down if results go against them. This should make for a decent game with both teams having nothing to lose.
Team News
West Brom will be without James Morrison and Gareth Barry, while Nacer Chadli is doubtful.
Key Factors to Consider
- Newcastle have lost just one of their last 15 home league games against the Baggies (W10 D4)
- West Brom have kept just one clean sheet in their last 24 away visits to St James’ Park.
- If the Baggies fail to win, they will be relegated to the Championship
- Rafa Benitez has won seven of his previous eight Premier League games against West Brom
- Darren Moore has earned five points from his first three league games – one more than Alan Pardew managed in his final 11 games at the club
Conclusion
The Baggies have looked a far bigger threat attacking wise since Moore took over the club. However, Newcastle should still have too much for a team that could be relegated this weekend. We like the look of Newcastle to win and both teams to score.
Verdict: Newcastle to win and both teams to score
Best Odds: 10/3
Bookmaker: Bet 365
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