NUFC vs West Brom: Premier League Head-To-Head Analysis

3. Defenders - Fabricio Coloccini (NUFC) Vs Jonas Olsson (WBA)

Newcastle United captain Fabricio Coloccini took the rather bizarre measure of issuing an open letter to fans apologising for the club's sorry state of affairs and urging them to back the Magpies during their relegation run-in. Now Coloccini must focus on playing and he will come up against a familiar opponent in West Bromwich Albion's huge centre-back Jonas Olsson on Saturday. Olsson has played 10 Premier League games (six starts, four substitute appearances), while Colo has appeared in 29 matches - but both have contributed just a solitary goal and no assists. Interestingly though, Olsson's goal came just last weekend - and it was a crucial one, the winner for the Baggies at Old Trafford. Olsson is far more of a threat from set-pieces than Coloccini is, and has already scored at St James' Park in the past, while West Brom are far more proficient at them than Newcastle are - with the Baggies scoring 19 from them this season, and the Magpies just six.

From a defensive point of view, Olsson also comes out on top in terms of the most-important stat - goals conceded. Although Olsson has only appeared 10 times this campaign, he has played a part in West Brom's three-straight clean sheets heading into this match, while Coloccini has captained a side who have conceded 18 in their eight-consecutive defeats - including three in each of their last three games. Coloccini may average more tackles per game (1.9) than Olsson (0.5), but the Swede is part of a far-stronger defensive unit at West Brom than the Argentine can call upon at the Magpies. What's more, Coloccini may be the only senior defender available for the Magpies this weekend (with Paul Dummett doubtful and both Mike Williamson and Daryl Janmaat suspended) - meaning he will likely suffer due to the lack of experience alongside him.

Verdict: Olsson scored from a set-piece last weekend and he is in a far-better defensive unit that is well-drilled by a brilliant coach, while Coloccini could be Newcastle's only available senior defender in a side who are leaking goals for fun right now. There's only one player who can be chosen here - and he doesn't play for Newcastle...