Steve Bruce said Newcastle will be missing a “big chunk” of his squad owing to the Covid outbreak at the club and with that in mind West Brom could be a very difficult test. A severely weakened team is one thing but the emotional toll of colleagues and friends struggling could mean concentrating on a football match is rather difficult. Or it could drive Newcastle on to bring some joy to the club with a victory against a West Brom side potentially low on confidence after receiving a 5-1 thrashing last week. Graham Searles
Saturday 3pm Sky Sports Premier League
Venue St James’ Park
Last season n/a
Odds H 11-10 A 12-5 D 12-5
Referee Darren England
This season G2 Y5 R0 2.5 per/game
NEWCASTLE
Subs from Gillespie, Krafth, Manquillo, Carroll, Hendrick, M Longstaff, Yedlin, Clark, Joelinton, Ritchie, Fraser, Gayle
Doubtful None
Injured Dubravka (calf, 22 Dec), Hayden (coronavirus, unknown), Dummett (hamstring, unknown)
Suspended None
Discipline Y21 R0
Form LDWLLW
Leading scorer Wilson 7
WEST BROM
Subs from Bond, Button, Grosicki, Austin, Harper, Edwards, Peltier, Kipré, Robinson, O’Shea, Krovinovic
Doubtful None
Injured Robson-Kanu (arm, 20 Dec), Field (match fitness, 20 Dec), Townsend (knee, Jan)
Suspended Pereira (first of three)
Discipline Y13 R2
Form DLLLWL
Leading scorers Gallagher, Robinson 2
