Premier League preview: Newcastle v West Bromwich Albion

Newcastle will take on West Bromwich Albion at Sports Direct Arena on Wednesday, as Alan Pardew aims to end their five-match winless streak.

After a goalless home draw with Swansea City left them with just two points in their past five matches, Pardew will be looking to press home the advantage against a West Brom side who are just five points above the relegation zone.

Newcastle welcomed back Fabricio Coloccini and Cheik Tiote back from injury against Swansea with Davide Santon making his debut at left-back for Ryan Taylor, who was out with an ankle injury.

Coloccini and Tiote will most likely start once more, with Italian Santon keeping his place if Taylor fails to recover.

With Steven Taylor out for the season, James Perch will continue to partner Coloccini but Yohan Cabaye picked up his fifth booking of the season and will serve the necessary one-match suspension.

Slovenian starlet Haris Vuckic was used as an extra offensive threat off the substitutes’ bench against Swansea and might step into the starting XI for the suspended Cabaye.

Newcastle have dropped to seventh after their recent run of form, after having held third spot earlier in the campaign, and Vuckic said he is hopeful of helping United re-gather their form.

“For Wednesday, I just need to train hard and if the gaffer gives me my chance I will do my maximum,” said Vuckic.

“Cabaye’s yellow card was unlucky for him because he’s very good for the team, but it gives another player the chance to prove themselves.”

After picking up just one point from three games since their 2-1 home win over Bolton Wanderers, West Brom bounced back with a 2-1 away win at Blackburn Rovers over the weekend thanks to goals by James Morrison and Peter Odemwingie.

Morrison, however, will miss out against Newcastle after picking up a hamstring injury against Blackburn. Youssouf Mulumbu and Paul Scharner are also doubtful after picking up a knee and leg injury respectively.

After missing a rash of games through injury Odemwingie has bounced back with three goals since his recovery.

“Pete’s a confidence player and when he’s got that he’s pretty unstoppable,” said Odemwingie’s strike partner Morrison.

“It only takes a goal like that to start your season.”

“Newcastle will be just as much of a tough game as Saturday was – if not more so. We will need to be at our best as they have been good at home so far this season.”