Verdict: Under 1.5 goals
Best Odds: 6/4
Bookmaker: Bet 365
Newcastle United will be hoping they can end their run of four straight defeats when they travel to West Bromwich Albion in the Premier League on Tuesday night.
West Bromwich Albion
Even though West Brom managed to pick up a very credible point away to Tottenham Hotspur at the weekend, it is now nearly three months without a Premier League win and it’s a worrying period for the Baggies, especially with their managerial uncertainty lingering on. Temporary boss Gary Megson will be hoping Saturday’s result has given his players a boost of confidence but they still remain just a point above the relegation zone. Furthermore, West Brom have the second worst home record in the division and it’s something that their new manager will aim on improving rapidly. It hasn’t yet been decided who that man will be but one thing that will be encouraging is the fact the Baggies have the second best defensive record of the bottom six so at least he will have something to work with. Three points must be the target on Tuesday night as they are playing a Newcastle team currently enduring a four-game unbeaten run. It may not be a classic but it could be a pivotal moment in West Brom’s season.
Team News
Sam Field and Allan Nyom could keep their place in the line-up after starting Saturday’s match at Tottenham.
Chris Brunt will miss the game due to injury, as will Craig Dawson, Nacer Chadli and James Morrison.
Newcastle United
Saturday’s 3-0 loss at home to Watford was Newcastle’s fourth defeat in a row and they have only won once now in their last eight matches. It’s an alarming run of form for Rafa Benitez’s men who actually started the season pretty well and were looking comfortable after their return to the division. However, Newcastle’s lack of firepower up front has been a detrimental factor to their decline and they have only netted 11 times this season, failing to score in three of the last four games. Furthermore, their defensive frailties are a massive problem and they have shipped seven goals in their previous two games. The Magpies are only four points above the relegation zone now and their fall down the table will have a lot of fans worried in the North-East. Away from home, Newcastle have lost four of their six games so far and it looks like it could be another frustrating night ahead of them, especially if West Brom manage to announce a new manager before kick-off.
Team News
Isaac Hayden will return after serving his one-game suspension against Watford.
Mikel Merino, Paul Dummett, Jamaal Lascelles and Christian Atsu will all face late fitness tests.
Key Factors to Consider
- Only 20 goals have been scored between West Brom and Newcastle this season
- The Baggies have now gone 11 games in the league without tasting victory
- West Brom team have the second worst home record in the Premier League this season – only Swansea have picked up less points
- Newcastle have lost their last four league games
- The Magpies have also suffered defeated in four of their six away matches this season
Conclusion
The Magpies and West Brom are probably the worst two teams in the Premier League in terms of form at the moment which makes us believe it may be far from a memorable encounter but one goal may just decide this one.
Verdict: Under 1.5 goals
Best Odds: 6/4
Bookmaker: Bet 365
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