Premier League preview: Aston Villa v West Brom

This West Midlands derby is fascinating not just because its history dates back to 1884.

Villa Park and The Hawthorns are just four miles apart but this season’s clash takes on an even more intense rivalry as Aston Villa and West Bromwich Albion are the only two clubs in the Premier League from the region.

Sunday’s clash will be a real test for Steve Clarke’s side who have surprised many with their form which has taken them to fourth in the table.

West Brom are unbeaten at home from three league matches but have yet to win away this season in two outings.

In fact, their only league defeat came at Craven Cottage earlier this month when they were trounced 3-0 by Fulham.

But it will be interesting to see the impact on West Brom after they were knocked out of the League Cup 2-1 by Liverpool.

Villa, struggling in 14th place with just four points, will relish the home ground advantage over their rivals.

Paul Lambert’s men will be in buoyant mood after their 4-2 midweek League Cup triumph over Manchester City.

In what has been an inconsistent start to the new season for his side, Lambert will be hoping the cup victory at Etihad Stadium will lift the team.

Matches between the two teams are historically close encounters, with four of the past 10 ending as draws while the remaining six finished with 2-1 scorelines.

One man West Brom will have to mark closely is Villa striker Gabby Agbonlahor, who scored a brace against City.

The goals were Agbonlahor’s first since he scored in the FA Cup victory over Bristol Rovers in January, ending a six month scoring drought.