Slaven Bilić’s Baggies travel to Tyneside to face Newcastle United at St James’ Park on Saturday afternoon (ko 3pm).
Newcastle
Their last time out
Newcastle’s last outing saw them defeat Crystal Palace 2-0 thanks to two late goals at Selhurst Park.
Callum Wilson continued his hot streak in front of goal and Joelinton netted just a minute later to wrap up the points for the Magpies. And Newcastle will be hoping to maintain momentum when the Baggies make the trip north, as they look to record back-to-back league wins for the first time this season.
Newcastle's game against Aston Villa, which was scheduled to take place on Friday, December 4, was postponed after a significant increase in COVID-19 cases at United's training ground, meaning they haven't played since that win at Palace on Friday, November 27.
In the dugout
Boyhood fan Steve Bruce is into his second season in the North East having taken over from Rafa Benitez in July, 2019.
The 59-year-old ended his first campaign in charge of Newcastle in 13th place while also guiding them to the quarter-finals of the Emirates FA Cup - having beaten the Baggies in round five.
Former Manchester United defender Bruce has managed 10 sides over the course of his career and is no stranger to the West Midlands having previously managed local rivals Birmingham City and more recently, Aston Villa.
One to watch
Callum Wilson has been a hit with the Toon army since signing in the summer from Bournemouth.
The England international has netted an impressive seven goals from his first nine Premier League games this season, including braces against Burnley and Everton.
Wilson has proved he can be the difference for United and the 28-year-old has clearly earned Bruce’s faith since his arrival, having started nine of their 10 top-flight matches this term.
Our last meeting
Albion produced a battling second-half display during a 3-2 defeat in the Emirates FA Cup back in March. But their last Premier League trip to St James’ Park in April, 2018 saw Matt Phillips bag the winning goal in a 1-0 victory.
Stats
Newcastle
- Callum Wilson has scored in all four of Newcastle’s league victories this season.
- Newcastle have managed the least shots in the league so far (86).
- The Magpies are also one of the lowest for producing crosses (156).
Albion
- Darnell Furlong is currently the Premier League’s leading full-back for aerial duels won (43).
- The Baggies are joint-second in the division for hitting the woodwork (7).
- Matt Phillips has scored in Albion’s last two encounters with Newcastle.
Head to head
| Newcastle wins | Draw | Albion wins | |
| League | 45 | 34 | 43 |
| FA Cup | 2 | 0 | 3 |
| League Cup | 0 | 0 | 2 |
| Total | 47 | 34 | 48 |
Our one to watch
Conor Gallagher will be looking to make it three goals in as many games when the Baggies take on the Magpies.
The midfielder has produced a number of energetic displays since moving to The Hawthorns on a season-long loan from Chelsea and has found joy in front of goal in recent weeks, netting against Sheffield United and Crystal Palace.
And Slaven Bilić will be hoping the 20-year-old can continue in this vein of form as Albion target a strong performance to help build momentum over the festive period.
Follow the game
Gez Mulholland will be joined by once midfield-now-microphone maestro Andy Johnson to provide proudly partisan commentary and an expert insight for WBA Radio.
To listen live to Baggies-biased commentary on WBA Radio for free for every home and away match during the 2020/21 season all you have to do is sign up for a free My Albion account.
If you haven't already you can create your My Albion account here. Click Create Account or register quickly with your Facebook or Google account.
Live commentary starts from 15 minutes before kick-off and will be accessible through the live match centre or WBA TV.
If you have any issues registering or accessing your My Albion account please contact myalbion@wbafc.co.uk.
The game is also available to watch on Sky Sports.