Newcastle United v West Bromwich Albion
Former Newcastle assistant manager Steve Clarke returns to his former club when West Brom visit St James’ Park.
Both sides will be looking to take all three points as neither have won in the league in four games.
After amassing an impressive 14 points from their first seven games, West Brom came crashing back to earth last week, going down to a late Edin Dzeko brace. Steve Clarke’s men will be hoping to return to winning ways at Newcastle where they have enjoyed a good record of late.
Newcastle, on the other hand, will be looking to avenge Demba Ba’s late own goal in the Wear-Tyne derby.
The Magpies warmed up for Sunday’s game with a comfortable 1-0 win over Club Brugge in the Europa league, resting many first team players in the process.
A victory over West Brom, one of only three teams to beat them at home last season, would complete a good week for Newcastle. West Brom have only kept one clean sheet in their last 20 away Premier League matches
However, The Baggies are unbeaten in their last three trips to St James’ Park, but Demba Ba has netted four times in three appearances against West Brom.
Newcastle midfielder Cheick Tioté will miss the game as he starts a three-match ban.
The Ivory Coast international is suspended after being sent off during the first half of last weekend’s 1-1 derby draw at Sunderland.
However, Alan Pardew is likely to restore most of the men he left out of the starting line-for the Brugge game with Tim Krul, Danny Simpson, Fabricio Coloccini, Mike Williamson, Yohan Cabaye, Jonas Gutierrez, Hatem Ben Arfa, Shola Ameobi and Demba Ba all rested.
West Brom, meanwhile, will check on the fitness of midfielder Claudio Yacob before finalising their side at St James’ Park.
The Argentina international suffered a hamstring injury during last weekend’s home reversal against Manchester City.
Captain Chris Brunt and right-back Billy Jones have resumed training and could be in contention.
Betting: Home Evens, Away 13-5, Draw 23-10.
