Kealan Hughes

Sat 6 March 2021 16:30, UK

This is part of a regular series from our panel of Super Fans on upcoming on West Brom News. This week we spoke to Newcastle fan Dan Wright, who covers NUFC for Vavel.

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West Brom host a struggling Newcastle side on Sunday and are looking to get back to winning ways in order to salvage their survival bid.

They should be confident after losing just one of their last four games, especially as the visitors were embroiled in controversy this week.

A mole in the Newcastle camp leaked a hot-tempered dispute between Steve Bruce and Matt Ritchie – that shows not all is well with the Magpies.

To make things even better for Albion, Newcastle could be without key players.

Dan Wright gave a comprehensive rundown of what we can expect from Bruce’s side in his preview of the game.

What is the latest team news at St. James’ Park?

Unfortunately, Newcastle will be without Miguel Almiron and Allan Saint-Maximin after picking up injuries in the 1-1 draw with Wolves.

That means we are without our three best attacking options as Callum Wilson remains unavailable following the injury he picked up against Southampton.

There are also doubts over Isaac Hayden’s availability and his absence would be a huge blow.

How will Newcastle cope without the two key wingers?

The likely replacements for Saint-Maximin and Almiron are not on the same level and we need Jacob Murphy to step up alongside Ryan Fraser.

Realistically Murphy is a Championship standard player but he is direct and that could be a useful asset to have.

What do you think West Brom’s biggest strengths and weaknesses are?

From what I’ve seen of West Brom post-January transfer window they look better. Okay Yokuslu looks a great find and Ainsley Maitland-Niles is a great loan addition.

I expect the wide players such as Matheus Pereira to give Newcastle some problems as we probably have the worst set of full-backs in the division at present.

The main area of joy I think Newcastle can get is through Fraser. He has had a difficult start to his Newcastle career but the quality he has in delivering crosses is fantastic.

From open play or set pieces, his delivery will be a big threat and United’s best chance of having some joy.

Predicted score?

There is probably just one manager that Newcastle fans hold in as much disdain as Steve Bruce and that is Allardyce.

One thing is for sure; Big Sam would absolutely love to help relegate Newcastle United again and for that reason I think the Baggies will be right up for this game.

I’m going to let my heart rule my head when it comes to a prediction and go for a tight 2-1 victory for the Magpies.

If West Brom do grab the win could they catch Newcastle? 

That depends on the reaction of the hierarchy should Newcastle lose the game.

Common sense would suggest that would finally be the end of Steve Bruce’s reign as manager but common sense and Newcastle United rarely feature in the same sentence.

If Albion do beat Newcastle they will be six points behind having played a game more. That is a big gap which is why I think the game against Everton was so huge for their chances of survival.

Whilst it is possible for West Brom to catch us, I can’t see a scenario where both stay in the division.

There is plenty of reason to be optimistic for West Brom fans.

We are the in-form team heading into the match and like Dan says, Big Sam has added motivation to grab a win.

Last week against Brighton we stepped up when needed to clinch victory and could do the same if we take the game to the visitors.

Our defensive vulnerabilities also seem to be well behind us so we fancy our chances if Albion’s attackers can improve their finishing.

In other West Brom news, ‘I’m sure’ – Paul Merson issues big claim on West Brom survival chances.

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