Match Previews

MATCH PREVIEW: Albion v Stoke

Everything you need to know ahead of Saturday's clash at The Hawthorns

ALBION's Premier League season continues on Saturday as they entertain Stoke City at The Hawthorns (ko 3pm).

The opposition

Stoke are in a similar position to the Baggies. They occupy a top-ten position in the Premier League but are out of both domestic cup competitions. Although that will disappoint boss Mark Hughes, he will know his side are in good form in 2017 and will want to keep in touch with Albion in 8th place with victory at The Hawthorns on Saturday.

Last time out

Salomon Rondon broke Stoke hearts with a header in added-time to salvage a 1-1 draw for the Baggies in September and deny Mark Hughes' side their first win of the season.

THE LATE SHOW: Salomon steals a point at Stoke in September

Team news

Jonny Evans faces a late fitness test, but new singing Marc Wilson is available after joining on loan from Bournemouth on Deadline Day.

Jack Butland, Stephen Ireland and Geoff Cameron remain long-term absentees for the Potters. Saido Berahino could feature against his former club.

Stats

'We always beat West Brom' has been a common chant from the Potters in the last decade, but the Baggies have turned the tables since Tony Pulis arrived in West Bromwich. Albion are unbeaten in their last four against Stoke having won just one of the previous fifteen.

Keep an eye out for our full Stat Pack on Friday.

From the archive

It was Evans who was the hero in January 2016 in a 2-1 win for the Baggies. The Northern Ireland international bagged a stoppage-time winner with Stephane Sessegnon also on target for the hosts.


Head to head

In 141 games with Stoke, Albion's record stands at W45, D36 and L60.

Ticket news

Seats remain on general sale and Albion have cut ticket prices for the local derby to help fans get behind the team in their bid to make it six wins in seven Premier League games at The Hawthorns.

The match had been originally designated a top-price Category A game as was the case last season.


But adult prices have now been reduced from £39 to £30 and seniors from £29 to £25.

Martin Goodman, the Club’s Chief Executive Officer, explained that the reductions had one purpose in mind –  to improve the home attendance in what remains our only Premier League ‘derby’ this season.

He said: “The price reduction is about doing as much as we can to attract as many home supporters as possible, with Stoke bringing 2,700 fans, every additional home fan is important to us. We had great home support for the FA Cup game and a similar level of home support against Stoke City will help the team deliver the result we all want.”

Follow the game

The game will kick off at 3pm with comprehensive coverage available across all of the Club's social media channels.

Twitter - @WBA
Facebook - West Bromwich Albion
Snapchat - wbafc_official
Instagram - wba

You can also listen to live commentary on Albion Player with Dave Bowler and Gez Mulholland talking you through the action.