Two sides who enjoyed contrasting Boxing Day fortunes meet at the Britannia Stadium on Sunday as Stoke City host West Bromwich Albion.

The Baggies were put to the sword by Manchester City at The Hawthorns and suffered a 3-1 defeat which left Alan Irvine admitting that he fears for his job.

It was Albion's sixth loss in eight Premier League games and left them 15th in the table, just two points above the relegation zone.

Had it not been for a derby triumph over Aston Villa a fortnight ago, the summer appointment may already have been fired by the trigger-happy West Brom board.

Mark Hughes's position with the Potters is far more secure, in no small part thanks to their excellent record against the top sides in the division this campaign.

A 1-0 victory away at Everton on Friday was the fourth time this season that Stoke had beaten one of last season's top six, and propelled them above the Toffees into 11th.

Consistency continues to hamper the Staffordshire outfit, but they will see the visit of the Baggies as a great chance to secure successive wins for the first time this term.

Former Barcelona starlet Bojan has showcased his undoubted potential in recent months, contributing three goals and an assist since his return to the side to earn high praise from his manager.

While Stoke's main man is coming to the fore, Albion talisman Saido Berahino is nine games without a goal, although he was at least recalled to the starting lineup for the defeat at the hands of the champions.

With speculation heavily suggesting that his mind is set on a January move, the visitors will hope that he rediscovers his form quickly, both to fire them away from trouble and to add value to his price tag.

Having spawned his first Premier League goal with a consolation effort against City, Brown Ideye may be given the opportunity to partner Berahino up front in one of several changes available to Irvine.

Fit-again stalwart Chris Brunt could return in midfield at the expense of Youssouf Mulumbu. Sebastien Pocognoli, Craig Gardner and Silvestre Varela were all withdrawn early last time out so should be ready to start.

Hughes may also consider alterations to manage two games in three days. Marc Wilson, Charlie Adam and Peter Crouch are all in contention for recalls, with Marc Muniesa and Glenn Whelan among those in jeopardy.

The Potters remain without Stephen Ireland, Victor Moses, Phil Bardsley, Steve Sidwell and former Baggies striker Peter Odemwingie, who scored 30 goals in 90 games for the Baggies before his infamous departure.

West Brom have won only once in their last 15 meetings with City in all competitions.

Stoke:

Recent form: LLWDLW

Possible starting lineup: Begovic; Cameron, Shawcross, Wilson, Pieters; N'Zonzi, Adam; Arnautovic, Bojan, Walters; Crouch

West Brom:

Recent form: LLDWLL

Possible starting lineup: Foster; Wisdom, McAuley, Lescott, Pocognoli; Brunt, Gardner, Morrison, Varela; Berahino, Ideye

Sports Mole says: 2-0