After some early promise, this has turned into a bit of a yawn fest. Just the three shots at goal combined from the two sides. No wonder the decibel level inside the Hawthorns has rocketed down.

Former Albion forward Tony Brown on BBC WM 95.6: "“West Brom will do what they usually do at home, keep things tight and attack on the break, the only problem so far is Salomon Rondon looks a bit isolated.”

Simon Bidwell: How on earth is that not a penalty against Olsson on Ayew? Awful refereeing, absolute stonewall.

Albion are offering less punch than a washed-up heavyweight boxer. Stephan Sessegnon tries to change that, wriggling into space on the right flank and fizzing a ball across goal. Villa keeper Mark Bunn gathers easily though.

Jordan Ayew is giving the Albion defence a few nervy moments. The Villa striker runs at them again, this time seeing his 20-yard shot blocked by Claudio Yacob.

Trevor Sinclair
Former England winger on Final Score

"That has got to be a penalty. Olsson was behind the player and slid through the player to get the ball. I cannot see how the referee hasn’t given that."

Jonas Olsson - you lucky, lucky boy! The long-haired Albion defender recklessly slides through the back of Jordan Ayew in the left channel of the home area - the Villa striker reckons he should have a penalty. And I agree.

Villa creeping back on top. Carles Gil twists and turns on the edge of the Albion box, eventually clipping into the danger zone. But home defender Craig Dawson is perfectly positioned to head up and over his bar. Encouragement for the away fans, who chant their exactly-what-it-says-on-the-tin chant of 'Villa, Villa, Villaaaaa!!' 

Hurrah! We have our first shot on target. Villa striker Libor Kozak pings a low effort towards the bottom corner, but Albion keeper Ben Foster is alert. He gets down to push clear.  

Ooh hello! Now it opens up. Villa defender Jonas Okore tries to nip ahead of Salomon Rondon near the halfway line, only to be rolled by the stocky Venezuelan. That momentarily opens Villa up, but the away side gets numbers back to block Stephane Sessegnon's 20-yard shot.

I was trying to steer clear of talking about "typical derby" stuff - but I've failed after 16 minutes. Sorry. It is a typical start to a derby. Blood and thunder, a midfield scrap, little given away at the back... 

Defences on top. Villa centre-half Jonas Okore bundles Salomon Rondon out of the way as they chase a long ball, before Albion stopper Gareth McAuley dishes out the same punishment to Libor Kozak at the other end.

Villa are shading possession, but can't make any inroads yet.

Image source, Opta

First hint of a threat from Albion. Winger James McClean dances down the left flank, digging a curling cross out from out near the touchline. But it is just too high for a leaping Salomon Rondon and Villa boot clear.

Brian Little
Former Aston Villa player & manager on BBC WM 95.6

“Villa have got to get at the WBA defence, they are strong and experienced but Villa have to attack them.”

High-tempo start - but no chances. Albion haven't really got a grip on the game, Villa shading possession.

Ged Scott
BBC Sport at The Hawthorns

"Fabulous atmosphere at The Hawthorns for the oldest top flight derby in English football - the game that older generations of Albion and Villa supporters view as their real derby match.

"The Albion fans, in particular, are in great voice, with an incessant chorus of 'You're Going Down...'"

What a waste! Villa's first free-kick is headed clear by Jonas Olsson, before another set-piece - this time from the left - is also easily cleared by the home defence moments later. Meat and drink for this tall Albion side...

Jordan Ayew has been one of the few bright spots for Villa this season. He stretches his legs and is clipped about 40 yards out from the Albion goal. Up go the big lads from the back...

Few jeers for Villa defender Joleon Lescott. Partly because he played for Albion last year. And partly, I'd assume, because he played for Wolves earlier in his career. His first touch ends up going into the stand as the home side make progress down the left flank. But they don't manage to get into the Villa penalty area.

Game on! Plenty of noise, as you would expect, at the Hawthorns. Villa kick off, but Albion soon win back possession...