Oooh, Matheus Pereira will think he can do better as he meets Conor Townsend's cross in the middle of the box. He's unmarked and has sight of goal but doesn't connect well with the shot and it is an easy save for Martin Dubravka.

Image source, .

Fair play to both sides, who are pushing players forward in pursuit of that first goal. It could be huge for whoever gets it.

Ryan Fraser is caught by Darnell Furlong and there's an anxious moment for Steve Bruce as Fraser grimaces in pain while clutching his leg. After a minute or two he's all good to carry on.

Midfields are being largely bypassed so far as now West Brom look to catch their opponents on the break but Ainsley Maitland-Niles' ball for Conor Gallagher is short and Newcastle sweep up the danger.

Again West Brom are almost caught out by a Newcastle break as Joelinton outpaces his marker but his square ball for Ryan Fraser is cut out. The shot might have been the better option there.

Image source, Getty Images

Dan Walford: How is it 2021 and we're still watching a relegation battle between 2 teams managed by Steve Bruce and Sam Allardyce?

Image source, Getty Images

Emil Krafth has the first real effort on goal, his shot takes a slight deflection but Sam Johnstone has it covered.

It has been a pretty even start, both sides playing with purpose and determination.

Danger for West Brom as Newcastle break quickly through Ryan Fraser. He gets into the box and squares but a slight deflection just takes it away from his team-mates before Joelinton's effort on the edge of the area is blocked.

Now West Brom have a corner of their own with neither side adopting a cautious approach early on. Matheus Pereira's delivery is dealt with at the near post by Jonjo Shelvey.

Early bit of pressure from Newcastle as they win a corner. Ryan Fraser's delivery into the box is headed away.

The visitors keep up the pressure before Mbaye Diagne is fouled and West Brom have a free kick.

Both teams are wearing black armbands in memory of Glenn Roeder, who passed away last week.

The hosts get the game under way.

Image source, Getty Images

David Ljunggren: All Big Sam has to say to his team is “Lads, it’s Newcastle”. We are everyone’s favourite opponents these days, thanks to our total lack of confidence, talent and grit.

Sorry, Lawro, but I hope you are wrong. I'm here for a topsy turvy thriller!

Five minutes to go until kick off and the players are heading out onto the pitch.

Mark Lawrenson
BBC football expert

I can't see this one being a thriller because both sides usually focus on making themselves hard to beat.

West Brom won't just throw caution to the wind, especially after suffering so many heavy defeats earlier in Sam Allardyce's reign, but this will surely be a game that he looks at as one his side have to win, or at least have a good chance of winning.

So, if it is goalless with half an hour to go, it will probably be the Baggies who go for it a bit more. The problem with that is they look better on the counter-attack than they do when they are controlling play.

Prediction: 0-0

West Brom boss Sam Allardyce, speaking to Amazon Prime: "We can only go out and try and play as well as we did on Thursday but more important is we have to create and take our chances. We are creating them but not taking them.

"A win for us is critical. This is a massive game in terms of we have to try and get the three points to try and get closer to Fulham and get closer to Newcastle and Brighton.

"If we are to get close to them then three points is vital today."

Surely every manager in the history of football knows it is all about the accumulation of points?

Newcastle boss Steve Bruce, speaking to Amazon Prime: "Dummett is in for his experience, we know what to expect from West Brom. His experience at this crucial time will be vital to us.

"These things happen up and down the country. Unfortunately it has got too much air time. We move on, let's hope we can galvanise if that is the right word and produce a result.

"I've always said it is the accumulation of points and the magic figure you have to get to. All to play for."

Image source, Getty Images

The stats make for sorry reading for Newcastle.

Steve Bruce's side have suffered eight defeats in 2021, a joint league-high along with Southampton

They have kept only one clean sheet in 11 league matches, conceding 20 goals during this run.

The Magpies have lost eight of their past 10 away league fixtures.