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Pardew glad of injury 'lift'

ALAN Pardew says that the majority of Albion's walking wounded are "getting up to speed" as they target a pre-Christmas return from injury.

The Baggies have rued the absence of a number of first-team regulars over the course of a winless Premier League sequence. But after a creditable point at Anfield on Wednesday evening, Head Coach Pardew says his side have been given a boost on the injury front.

"We've had a bit of a lift. Brunty's getting up to speed, Nacer Chadli's training, Craig Dawson's running around and getting close. We're getting our numbers back.

"Matt Phillips is close and hasn't been ruled out for the game against Stoke. But we've decided to be cautious.

"Gareth Barry will be in contention to play. Nacer probably needs a bit more training to be involved for this one, but he's back which is a good thing."

It's welcome news for Pardew ahead of a test against Manchester United at The Hawthorns on Sunday - and he'll be giving his opposite number "no clues" as to his starting lineup.

"I'm going to give you no clues as to what I'm going to do! Jose Mourinho's mastery of the opposition is something I want to get away from! He's probably the best manager in the world at subduing the other team.

"Our last performance at home deserved a win. The fans understand the opposition is different this time around but they'll be with us. There's a pressure to start winning games."

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