Hello all! We're entering the home stretch of the Premier League season as there are just eight, nine or 10 (depending on which club you are) games left until the campaign comes to an end. It's a time when things start to take shape with regards to the title and relegation. Today, there are six top-flight games in the calendar, and right here we will be focusing on the clash between
West Bromwich Albion and
Norwich City at The Hawthorns.
Tony Pulis's West Brom side are on a decent run at the moment as they are unbeaten in their last four Premier League games. They won three of them and drew the other, which has put them 11th in the table on 39 points. With eight games to go, the Baggies still have Manchester City, Tottenham Hotspur and Liverpool to face, but the team will be hopeful of a strong finish.
As for Norwich, well, Premier League safety is their priority. They returned to the top flight from the Championship last season and
Alex Neil will be determined to keep the Canaries in the division. They are currently third from bottom, in the relegation zone because of an inferior goal difference to Sunderland. It is not looking rosy for the club at the moment as they have not won a game since January 2. They will be hoping that today can kickstart a decent run.
Right, before we go any further, let's bring you the lineups for both sides.
WEST BROM XI: Foster; Olsson, McAuley, Evans, Dawson; Yacob, Gardner, Fletcher, Sessegnon; Berahino, Rondon
Subs: Myhill, Chester, Anichebe, McClean, Lambert, Pritchard, Sandro
NORWICH XI: Ruddy; Martin, Klose, Bassong, Olsson; Jarvis, Howson, O'Neil, Brady; Bamford; Mbokani
Subs: Rudd, Naismith, Jerome, Hoolahan, Dorrans, Pinto, Odjidja
As we can see,
Tony Pulis has made just the one change to the West Brom team that defeated Manchester United 1-0. Jonny Evans returns to the lineup after recovering from a hamstring injury, meaning that James Chester drops to the bench. So, Evans joins Jonas Olsson, Gareth McAuley and Craig Dawson in defence.
Claudio Yacob, Craig Gardner, Darren Fletcher and Stephane Sessegnon sit in midfield, with Saido Berahino and Salomon Rondon leading the line for the Baggies.
As for Norwich, well, manager Alex Neil has made three changes to the side that drew goalless with Manchester City last weekend. Sebastian Bassong replaces Ryan Bennett, who is out of the matchday squad.
Robbie Brady is in the starting lineup in place of Nathan Redmond, who picked up an ankle injury against City, and Dieumerci Mbokani comes into the attack, replacing Wes Hoolahan.
Russell Martin, Timm Klose, Martin Olsson and Bassong line the back four in front of goalkeeper John Ruddy. Matt Jarvis, Jonny Howson, Gary O'Neil and Brady sit in midfield, while Patrick Bamford will position himself just behind forward Mbokani.
So, let's look deeper into West Brom's positive run, shall we? They kicked it off by bouncing back from a 1-0 defeat to Newcastle United at St James' Park. They had not one in five of their Premier League outings by February 6, but they turned things around against Everton at Goodison Park. Salomon Rondon scored the only goal of the game and it came in the 14th minute. Everton had numerous chances to get on the scoresheet, but West Brom did well to keep them out the door.
Pulis's side were dealt a blow in the FA Cup when they were knocked out by Championship side Reading and matters off the pitch took the main focus. Chris Brunt was hit under the eye with a coin thrown from one of his own supporters, who was later arrested by police. The dip did not affect the team's Premier League form, though, as they went on to seal a 3-2 win over Crystal Palace.
Craig Gardner and Craig Dawson put the Baggies 2-0 ahead after 20 minutes at The Hawthorns, and Saido Berahino tripled their lead just past the half-hour mark. Connor Wickham caused some nervy moments for West Brom in the second half when he scored twice - one in the 48th minute and the other 10 minutes from time. However, the Baggies rode out the storm again and took home all three points.
Next up were league leaders Leicester City at the King Power Stadium, but West Brom showed their intent when Rondon struck on the 11th minute. The visitors were pegged back, but it was their own doing as Jonas Olsson scored an own goal and then Andy King put the Foxes ahead just before half-time. Gardner managed to respond early in the second half and West Brom were able to hold on to that point.
Last weekend, they continued their impressive form by causing an upset against Manchester United on home turf. It was Rondon again who managed to cause trouble, but it did not come until the 66th minute. The Baggies were given some luck when Juan Mata was sent off for United close to the half-hour mark for a second bookable offence. West Brom took advantage of the extra man and saw out the victory.
While Pulis's side may be in good form at the moment, they are not the most prolific when it comes to goals, and we should not expect many from them this afternoon. They have fired fewer shots on target than any other team in the Premier League this season. They have mustered 87 so far in the campaign. On the flip side, they are unbeaten in their last six home games having won four and drawn two.
Ahead of this game, Pulis spoke about his team's positive results to the media. The
Birmingham Mail quotes him as saying: "We've got 19 points from 11 games I've just been told.
"Eight undefeated at home so we're in a good run of form. We've played really well in those games as well. We need to keep it going with nine games to go. Obviously the confidence in the club is sky high.
"We know Saturday will be a tough game - Norwich are fighting for their lives and there are no easy games in the Premier League. We've just got to make sure everybody stays grounded and continues the hard work we've put in."
So, what about Norwich? Well, their priority at the start of the season remains the same 30 games later and that's to retain their Premier League status. As it stands, they return to the Championship, but there are eight games left to turn around their fortunes. Alex Neil and his men can also be encouraged by the fact that they are only in their by goal difference, meaning that just two points would currently pull them out of the bottom three.
They may have gone 10 league games without a win, but perhaps the tide is turning. Why? Because they managed to restrict Manchester City to a goalless draw last weekend. Norwich may not have been able to create a single shot on target and only two overall, they limited City to just one shot on target and four overall. Neil's side proved that they can soak up the pressure and stay solid in defence, but they need to start scoring in order to get the points that they need.
Norwich have conceded 25 league goals in their last 10 matches and only managed to score eight at the other end during that time. The start of March looked slightly encouraging, though, when they took on Champions League contenders West Ham United. The Canaries took the lead nine minutes into the second half and they looked to be in control when they doubled it through Wes Hoolihan in the 65th minute.
Norwich were unable to hold on to their advantage, though, as West Ham scored twice within two minutes to restrict the Canaries to just a point. Neil's club conceded to Dimitri Payet and Mark Noble on the day.
The club then suffered three defeats in a row, the first of which was against league leaders Leicester, who took home maximum points with a single goal. Next up for Norwich was Chelsea at Carrow Road, and it was a poor start as they conceded to Kenedy in the first minute. Diego Costa gave Chelsea a 2-0 lead before the half-time break. Nathan Redmond was able to score in the 68th minute, but it proved to be a consolation goal for the Canaries.
Norwich's most recent defeat was on March 5 and once again it was by one goal. Neil's side travelled to Swansea City's Liberty Stadium and it took just one Gylfi Sigurdsson goal to resign them to defeat. Last weekend, Norwich showed some encouragement against City, but they need more than that in their next eight games.
Unfortunately they cannot draw on a positive away record to get them through as they have lost their last six league fixtures on the road and have managed to score just one goal. They need quick improvement as they have some tough games in their run-in. They face fellow relegation battlers Newcastle United and Sunderland, plus in their last three games of the season they face Arsenal away, Manchester United at home and Everton away.
Neil told reporters this week: "We've got a bunch of five games which will probably end up determining where we are. If we can come out of those with it still in our hands, with still points to play for and hopefully out of the bottom three that will leave us in a good position.
"We've spoken about it three or four weeks ago and discussed the end of the season. We've got a batch of games now which are going to be absolutely crucial to where we end up. This is the start of that so we need to go to West Brom and get as many points as we can."
HEAD TO HEAD: The record books are in West Brom's favour as they are looking for a third consecutive win over Norwich in the league. These matches are certainly not goalfests as the last two have finished 1-0. Norwich has shown that they can beat West Brom, though, this season as they sealed a 3-0 win in the League Cup third round in September.
Not long to go now until the game gets underway! As we know, there aren't many goals in this fixture traditionally, maybe that will change today? Probably not...
KICKOFF! We're underway at The Hawthorns! Anthony Taylor is the referee this afternoon.
As expected, it's a rather slow start as both teams try to find their feet in these first few minutes. Norwich have a decent chance of trying to create an attacking move when Mbokani attempts to get in behind the defence, but he goes too soon and is flagged for offside.
Dawson takes out Brady with a clumsy challenge 20 yards from goal. The midfielder moved in from the left wing and tried to get on the end of a loose ball on the edge of the box when he was fouled.
Brady takes the free kick, but his effort is a let-down as the ball blazes over the crossbar. A decent opportunity wasted there.
Norwich are desperately in need of the points as they try to fight off relegation, but the Baggies have freedom on the pitch as they are safe and are under no pressure. This game could depend on who administers the first blow.
Rondon tries to make things happen for the Baggies as he attempts a shot from 12 yards out. The forward drills his shot with power, but the ball goes over.
That could have been an embarrassing moment for Ruddy! The keeper sends his clearance right to Rondon, but the forward wasn't expecting it and fails to find his composure to get a shot away. Instead, Bassong steps back and gets a block in.
Berahino gets involved as he pokes the ball forward for Yacob to latch onto. His Argentine teammate sees the opportunity for a shot and has a go, but his 25-yard effort is lacking power and the visiting defence charge down the ball and snuff out the danger.
CHANCE! Berahino shows desire as he takes on Bassong in the box and wins. The England Under-21 international then lets fly with a shot towards the top left corner, but it falls slightly wide.
Berahino is on the ball again as he links up with Rondon for a one-two on the edge of the area, but the shot gets knocked over the bar by Martin for a corner.
CLOSE! Yacob is inches away from giving West Brom the lead! The corner is initially cleared by Norwich, but the ball ends up in Berahino's possession. The forward lays it off for Yacob, who unleashes a strike towards the top right corner but it goes wide.
Mbokani is down after getting shoves in the back by McAuley while trying to meet Olsson's long ball. The referee doesn't blow his whistle, though, despite the Norwich forward going down. Mbokani seems okay to continue.
We did mention that this game was unlikely to be a goalfest! It's living up to that assumption so far... Neither side have caused much trouble to the opposing keeper, but West Brom have probably been the better of the two teams.
Norwich are on the ball and West Brom seem content to let them knock it around as they are not causing much danger with it. Neil will want his men to improve in the final third as we are yet to see a meaningful shot from them.
Berahino tries to dictate play for West Brom as he drops deep and picks the ball up before trying to play Rondon in behind the Norwich defence, but Bassong manages to intercept before the striker can get on the end of it.
The passing has been good from both sides as we edge closer to the half-hour mark, but it's not leading to much! Norwich especially look a bit too relaxed. They need to rack up the points, but they're lacking urgency at the moment.
Bamford goes to the floor with his head in his hands after colliding with Olsson. It looks as though the West Brom defender whacked his opponent in the face, but the referee opts against penalising Olsson.
We need a bit of magic here! The teams are cancelling each other out in midfield and neither goalkeeper is being tested. There should be more goalmouth action given that both sides have two strikers up front.
Oh dear. Brady is in the doghouse! The winger opts to take a short corner and upon receiving the ball back he goes for goal from 35 yards out on the right wing. The ball ends up surging over the bar and his teammates are not happy!
Sessegnon charges into the penalty area after a decent run down the right channel. He delays his shot and takes too many touches, allowing Bassong to close him down. When he gets the shot away, it flashes wide of the post.
Yacob does well to break up Norwich's play in the middle of the park. He has done that a few times this half - one of the positive aspects of West Brom's game.
HALF-TIME: WEST BROM 0-0 NORWICH
The half-time whistle goes and unfortunately it has not been the most thrilling of games, but did you think it would be? There was not too much goalmouth action in the first 45 minutes, but West Brom probably looked the more likely to break the deadlock. Saido Berahino in particular worked hard and created some half-chances. From Norwich's point of view, though, they need to up the tempo and show some urgency. They desperately need points to stay up, so Alex Neil will be hoping for some more action in the final third. We'll return for the second half shortly!
RESTART! We are back underway at The Hawthorns! Fingers crossed for some goals!
We have had some early tackles flying in. One of which comes from Mbokani, while the other is committed by Sessegnon at the other end. No cards for either, though.
GOAL! WEST BROM 0-1 NORWICH (BRADY)
We have the breakthrough! First blood has been drawn and it's by the travelling side! Robbie Brady has just boosted Norwich's chances of staying up by putting them in the lead at The Hawthorns. The Baggies fail to clear a ball into the box and Jarvis latches on before sending the ball to Brady, who smashes it into the left corner.
This could be a big goal for Norwich as they are currently out of the bottom three and have plunged Sunderland into the bottom. The Black Cats face Newcastle tomorrow, but as it stands, Sunderland have 25 points and Norwich have 28.
The game is opening up a bit more now as both sides are on the attack. For Norwich, they will probably eventually sit back in an attempt to hold on to their lead.
Yacob picks the ball up in the middle of the pitch before leading a counter-attack. He aims his pass towards Rondon, but the striker cannot reach it and the ball bobbles out for a goal kick.
CHANCE! At the other end, O'Neil whips the ball into the box searching for Brady at the back post The midfielder then sends the ball to Bamford, who turns quickly but his shot slams into the side netting.
WEST BROM SUB: It's the end of Jonas Olsson's afternoon as James McClean comes on.
Sessegnon tries to get into the box by taking on Martin and Klose, but the Norwich players eventually smother him and the visitors nick back possession.
Some concern for Norwich as Brady requires treatment after falling awkwardly from a challenge from Dawson. The midfielder looks to be in some pain and there's particular attention to his neck. The stretcher comes out, but it seems as though he will be able to carry on.
Norwich have been in control since taking the lead and the team definitely has some revived hunger! The pace has slowed down a little since the break in play following Brady's injury scare.
WEST BROM, NORWICH SUBS: Another change is made by Pulis as Alex Pritchard replaces Craig Gardner. Pulis is trying to a different man in attack. For Norwich, Steven Naismith comes on for Patrick Bamford.
Oh dear, bad signs for Brady. The midfielder has sat himself down and the medics have returned to the pitch. The midfielder is pointing to his eyes, suggesting that his vision is impaired following the fall.
NORWICH SUB: As expected, Brady's afternoon is done. Vadis Odjidja comes on to replace him.
BOOKING! Odjidja's only just come on the pitch but he's received a yellow card! He gets punished for time wasting.
West Brom are trying to find a way through, but it's just not happening for them. They have five minutes plus stoppage time remaining to find an equaliser and extend their unbeaten league run to five games.
WEST BROM SUB: Last change for the home side as Rickie Lambert replaces Stephane Sessegnon.
BOOKING! McAuley is the next in the book after a silly tackle on Odjidja.
There's going to be six minutes of added time! Not a huge surprise because of Brady's injury. This gives West Brom some time to find that equaliser.
Howson sends the ball straight at Foster! Howson gets on the end of Naismith's pass, but he cannot get enough power on it to send it past the keeper.
NORWICH SUB: Some time wasting from the away side as Neil replaces Jarvis with Ivo Pinto.
FULL-TIME: WEST BROM 0-1 NORWICH
It's all over! Norwich have claimed their first victory in 11 games in all competitions. Just one goal separated the Canaries from West Brom this afternoon and it came from Robbie Brady in the 50th minute. The result means that Alex Neil's side have climbed out of the relegation and are three points above the drop. West Brom sit 11th but their unbeaten league run was stopped short at four games. Thank you for joining us, and until next time, goodbye!