10 Key Match Facts Ahead Of NUFC Vs West Brom
The game is likely to be won and lost at set-pieces - and that spells danger for Newcastle...
If the majority of followers of the Premier League had been asked at the beginning of January whether it would be Newcastle United or West Bromwich Albion who, with three games to go, would be fighting for their lives, almost every single one of them would have plumped for the Baggies. As the Premier League entered 2015, with half of the season's matches played, Newcastle sat 10th in the table on 26 points, while West Brom were stuck down in 16th with just 17. Fast-forward more than four months and Newcastle now sit just three places and two points above the relegation zone on 35 points, while West Brom are up to 13th and are almost mathematically safe on 40 points. Make no mistake about it, Tony Pulis has ensured the Baggies will remain in the Premier League next season by turning things around at The Hawthorns since he took charge in January - while John Carver has only succeeded in making the Magpies into a side who look destined for the Championship in the same period. Now the sides meet at St James' Park in the Premier League on Saturday (3pm kick-off) in a game that could decide Newcastle's top-flight future. So, here are 10 key stats ahead of Newcastle United's crunch Premier League clash with West Bromwich Albion at St James' Park that show where the game will be won and lost... For all the latest NUFC News, Views and Transfers make sure to follow WhatCultureNUFC on Twitter and Facebook.