After getting back to winning ways last week against high flying Burnley, Tony Mowbray will be looking to break the hoodoo that Stoke hold over Albion on home soil.
But to do that the side must overcome half of the Premiership they have on loan at the club which on paper, is easier said than done.
The Baggies certainly won`t want to lose this game, Stoke are just two points behind in the table and disaster could mean that Albion drop out of the play off places at the expense of the Potters.
Vital Quotes:
Tony Mowbray told the club website: ‘I don’t think playing away from home should hold any fears for our side.
‘It’s a different sort of challenge but away from home I feel teams generally come and attack you.
‘The way our team sets up can at times be a benefit to us because we have a bit of pace and creativity breaking away from defensive situations.
‘We look forward to the games coming up.’
Stoke City Team News:
Stoke boss Tony Pulis looks likely to give a debut to Patrik Berger who he has signed on loan from Aston Villa.
Stoke should hand a debut to Aston Villa midfielder Patrik Berger at home to West Brom on Saturday after signing the Czech star on loan
But the Potters will be without suspended duo Ricardo Fuller and Dave Brammer.
Striker Fuller sits out the final game of a three-match ban after his sending-off against Coventry.
Midfielder Brammer picked up his fifth yellow card of the season and misses one game.
Player to watch: Lee Hendrie
Can turn a game with a flash of brilliance and also knows where the goal is
West Brom Team News:
Zoltan Gera is struggling to be fit for this one and faces a late test, he has been troubled by a calf problem.
Better news is that Jonathan Greening is able to return to the squad after completing a one game suspension after totting up five yellow cards.
Neil Clement continues to b a long term injury victim, he is hoping to be back by Christmas.
And central defender Thomas Gaardsoe remains short of fitness thanks to career-threatening groin troubles.
Player to watch: Diomansy Kamara
Due to get back amongst the goals
Match Facts & Stats
Last time West Brom went to the Britannia they came away after getting a 4-1 mauling from the Potters, in fact you have to go back 24 years to find the last time the Baggies won at Stoke and that`s a record that needs addressing fast.
The two point lead that West Brom have over Stoke in the league means this game is a must win for both sides, a draw would be okay from a Baggies point of view but we really should be keeping up with the five sides above us.
West Brom`s away form has been average of late, the last six games on the road has seen Tony Mowbray`s men win two, lose three and draw the other one. Goal difference works out at 10 goals for and 8 against.
Stoke`s last six home games has seen them win three, draw two and lose just the once, their goal difference is 10 for and just four against.
Match Prediction:
1-0 to the Baggies, it’s about time Stoke’s record went.
Next Fixtures:
Sheff Wed vs West Brom 28-11-2006
West Brom vs Derby 02-12-2006
Barnsley vs West Brom 10-12-2006