ALBION will be looking to build on a positive draw against Spurs when they host Newcastle United at The Hawthorns on Tuesday evening (ko 8pm).
The opposition
Newcastle won promotion to the Premier League by winning the Championship under manager Rafa Benitez last season.
They added to their squad over the summer by signing the likes of Christian Atsu, Florian Lejeune, Jacob Murphy, Javier Manquillo and Joselu.
The Magpies made an encouraging start to life back in the top flight by winning four and drawing two of their opening nine games, but have since lost four in a row to slide down into 14th place in the table.
Last time out
The last match between the two sides was in February 2016 when Newcastle ran out 1-0 winners at St James’ Park thanks to Aleksandar Mitrovic’s first half goal.
However, the most recent clash to take place at The Hawthorns back in December 2015 was a more memorable occasion for the Baggies as Darren Fletcher’s header ensured they recorded a 1-0 victory.
Fletcher celebrating with Claudio Yacob after scoring against Newcastle in 2015
Stats
Albion
- There has been only one previous Tuesday fixture between Albion and Newcastle at The Hawthorns, which the Baggies won 1-0 on Christmas Day in 1956.
- Should he play against Newcastle, Gareth McAuley will make his 200th Premier League appearance.
- Kieran Gibbs will make his 200th club career start if he is selected in the starting XI on Tuesday evening.
Newcastle
- The Magpies have recorded wins in two of their last eight visits to The Hawthorns in all competitions.
- Newcastle have scored just once and conceded eight times on their current run of four consecutive Premier League defeats.
- Isaac Hayden has picked up the joint most amount of yellow cards in the division this season (five).
From the archive
Here's Fletch's heroics from our last victory over the Magpies.
Head to head
The head-to-head record makes for positive reading if you’re an Albion fan.
From 126 previous games, the Baggies have won on 47 occasions, Newcastle have come out on top 46 times and the other 33 matches ended in draws.
The gaffers
Megson wants Albion focus
"From our own point of view, we go into it not thinking about Newcastle - good team, great manager, fantastic football club - we set that aside and then we try to pick up where we left off at Wembley against Tottenham.
"There were a lot of things that we can be pleased about but in isolation that would be no good.
"We've got to use that now and keep doing it. We know people can do it and they need to do it all the time."
Benitez urges calm
"A message for our fans – stick together. Don't make the mistake and think 'this player, or the other one' – you see what we have, and they are giving everything.
"This group of players, they can manage if we stay calm and we continue in the same way. Each one has to make their own decision, but again, I will say, our fans, they know where we are and why we are here."
Man in the middle
Lee Probert will officiate Tuesday evening’s match, and he will be assisted by Andy Garratt and Daniel Cook - with Mike Dean as the fourth official.
It will be Probert’s first time refereeing Albion this season. He has so far been in the middle for five Premier League fixtures, handing out eight yellow cards and one red card in the process.
Ticket news
Albion fans can take advantage of a special kids-for-a-quid ticket offer for the game with Newcastle.
Those under the age of 17 can secure their seat for the encounter for just £1, while season-ticket holders can bring a guest for just £15.
Seats are on general sale, priced adults £25, Seniors £20, Students & Young Adults £15.
You can purchase tickets online, in person from the East Stand Ticket Office or by calling 0121 227 2227.
Follow the game
Comprehensive coverage of the clash with Newcastle is available in our Match Centre, where you can listen to free live commentary on WBA Radio or follow our live text feed.
WBA Radio is the only service that allows Baggies fans around the world - from Smethwick to the Sahara - access to uninterrupted live commentaries from every one of our competitive games. Join Gez Mulholland and Dave Bowler for Baggies-biased live commentary on Tuesday evening.
You’ll also be able to find score updates on the club's social media channels.
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