Nigerian duo of Shola Ameobi and Victor Anichebe will be at the center of hostilities for their club sides as in-form Newcastle United plans to stretch their winning streak to four Premier League games with a home victory over West Brom on Saturday.
Alan Pardew’s side followed up their surprise triumphs over Chelsea and Tottenham by beating Norwich City 2-1 at St James’ Park last weekend.
Pardew stated on Thursday that he shares midfielder Yohan Cabaye’s desire of playing in the UEFA Champions League and a recent upturn in fortunes has moved Newcastle up to eighth in the top flight – just two points behind fourth-placed Manchester City.
The Tyneside club has only lost once at home this season and will be aiming for a repeat of last season’s 2-1 victory over Albion – when Papiss Cisse scored an inadvertent late winner.
Cisse was on the substitute’s bench again in the victory over Norwich this weekend and Shola Ameobi’s performance against Chris Hughton’s side looks set to keep the Senegal striker out of the starting line-up once again on Saturday.
Ameobi is expected to partner red-hot Loic Remy up front, with the France striker having scored in eight goals in his last eight games for Newcastle.
Meanwhile, striker Victor Anichebe who is likely to make a return into the Super Eagles squad ahead of the World Cup in Brazil will be aiming to end his goals drought by denying his compatriot, Ameobi the maximum three points at stake.
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