West Bromwich Albion head coach Alan Irvine will be without the suspended Craig Gardner for the visit of Newcastle United.

The midfielder misses the game at The Hawthorns after picking up five yellow cards, with his place expected to be taken by Youssuf Mulumbu or Claudio Yacob.

Striker Saido Berahino will be hoping to make an impression after being named in the England senior squad for the first time after scoring eight goals in 13 games this season.

After beating Leicester City at the King Power Stadium last weekend, the Baggies currently sit in 11th place in the Premier League standings.

Newcastle United boss Alan Pardew has been dealt a huge blow with the news that winger Gabriel Obertain will miss the next four months with a thigh injury.

The Frenchman had started to find his feet at St James' Park and played his part in the Magpies registering four successive victories in all competitions.

Rolando Aarons and Papiss Cisse are also fitness doubts, with Ayoze Perez pushing for a start after netting the winner against Liverpool last week.

Recent form

West Bromwich Albion: WLDDLW

Newcastle United: LDWWWW

Possible starting lineups

West Bromwich Albion: Foster; Wisdom, Dawson, Lescott, Pocognoli; Morrison, Mulumbu, Dorrans, Sessegnon, Brunt; Berahino

Newcastle United: Krul; Janmaat, Taylor, Coloccini, Dummett; Abeid, Colback, Gouffran, Sissoko, Ameobi, Perez

Sports Mole says: 1-2

Previews by email