3. West Bromwich Albion - Home (May 9th)
In theory Newcastle United's last three home games should have been against ideal opponents: Swansea City, West Bromwich Albion and West Ham United are all stuck in mid-table mediocrity, safe from relegation but with little-to-no hope of European qualification. Yet the meek 3-2 surrender to Swansea has left the Magpies teetering on the brink. When Tony Pulis' West Brom come to town on May 9th, they are likely to be ahead of Newcastle in the table and safe from relegation. Pulis has once again done wonders at a club who looked doomed before he took over, and his West Brom side are extremely difficult to breakdown. First and foremost Pulis will set his men up not to concede at St James' Park and aim for them to nick one from a set piece. This is surely Carver's chance to put paid once and for all to any fears Newcastle may be relegated for the second time in six years. If he is positive, but not gung-ho, then West Brom could be caught napping. The return of Papiss Cissé following a seven-match suspension should given Newcastle an added goal-scoring threat - particularly if Siem de Jong continues to regain fitness - and the minimum that should be targeted is a point against a side who, although well drilled, lack a real X-factor.
Verdict: Score draw - 1-1. Tony Pulis is likely to come to St James' Park and set his side up to be hard to beat, so Newcastle must hold firm and grind out at least a draw. Carver's men are likely to concede from a set piece, so they must find at least one goal from somewhere.
