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

1. Forwards - Emmanuel Riviere (NUFC) Vs Victor Anichebe (WBA)

It's fair to say that Emmanuel Riviere's £6 million move from Monaco to Newcastle last summer has not exactly turned out as planned - with the Frenchman struggling to establish himself in the Magpies first-team, never mind in the Premier League. Victor Anichebe meanwhile is not always considered a starter at West Brom, but Pulis loves his work rate and his physical presence. This may seem like a rather odd comparison due to the fact neither is the biggest-name striker in their respective squads, but Riviere in particular could hold the key to whether Newcastle can pick up the victory they need. However, in 20 Premier League appearances (12 as a starter, eight off the bench) to date, Riviere has failed to score a single goal and he has provided just a solitary assist. Anichebe has played 19 times (10 as a starter, nine off the bench), and he has managed two goals and just the one assist. Although this is not prolific by any stretch, at least Anichebe hasn't got the monkey on his back of never having scored a Premier League goal like Rivere has.

Furthermore, Riviere provides just 0.6 key-passes-per-game compared to Anichebe's 0.8, and the West Brom forward is also far-more dangerous in the opposition box. His stats at harrying defenders, winning the ball in the opposition third and of coming out on top in aerial duels are all better than Riviere's. In addition, if there is one West Bromwich Albion player who would love nothing more than to score at St James' Park it is Victor Anichebe. The 27-year-old suffered a career-threatening injury on Tyneside while playing for Everton - after Kevin Nolan put in a horror challenge on the forward in 2009. Anichebe is 6ft 3ins, he is powerful and he loves to bully opposition defenders - something he will attempt to do against Newcastle. He isn't prolific and has only scored two Premier League goals all season, but Anichebe is a handful and is yet another player the Magpies defence must be wary of. What's more, Anichebe already has three career goals against Newcastle - including the winner for Everton at St James' Park back in January 2013.

Verdict: Anichebe is certainly in better form than Riviere and he is more-than-likely to score this weekend due to the fact he has a decent record against Newcastle. However, Riviere is more important to Newcastle than Anichebe is to West Brom. The Magpies need someone to start scoring regularly for them, and if Riviere could nick one then maybe he could go on a run - but that could well just be fantasy land... For all the latest NUFC News, Views and Transfers make sure to follow WhatCultureNUFC on Twitter and Facebook.