Preview: West Bromwich Albion vs. Aston Villa - prediction, team news, lineups

West Bromwich Albion face Aston Villa on Sunday evening as Sam Allardyce takes charge of his first game with the Baggies.

While the home side sit three points adrift of safety, Villa head into the West Midlands derby in 11th position after a goalless draw against Burnley earlier this week.

Match preview

When West Brom recorded a 1-1 draw at Manchester City earlier this week, the majority of the club's supporters would have been hopeful that the result represented a change of fortunes for Slaven Bilic's side.

However, less than an hour after the share of the spoils at the Etihad Stadium, it was widely reported that Bilic was on the verge of the sack, a development which was confirmed the following day.

The decision to part ways with Bilic has divided opinion at The Hawthorns, a process not helped by the appointment of a manager in Sam Allardyce who has previously revealed that he is a follower of rivals Wolverhampton Wanderers.

Nevertheless, the veteran boss has been trusted with the task of trying to keep West Brom in the Premier League after a return of just seven points from 13 matches.

Allardyce has relished such a scenario in the past, but an opening triple-header with Villa, Liverpool and Leeds United means that his players must deliver if he is to win over the section of fans which have not welcomed his arrival.

From Villa's perspective, Dean Smith will view this contest as the perfect game to get rid of the disappointment which followed the stalemate with Burnley.

Despite dominating the contest against their North-West opponents, failing to breach a resolute defence has left the club in 11th spot in the standings.

Although they have two games in hand on many of the teams above them, Smith's side have now gone four fixtures without recording a win on familiar territory.

Smith will expect West Brom to rise to the occasion of their first top-flight derby for several years, but there will be a belief that his usually-efficient attack will make amends in the final third should they be presented with opportunities on Sunday night.

West Bromwich Albion Premier League form: LLWLLD

Aston Villa Premier League form: LWLLWD

Team News

Villa are boosted by the return of Matty Cash and Douglas Luiz, who missed out against Burnley due to suspension.

Smith will also hope that Ross Barkley is in a position to feature in the 18-man group after a hamstring injury.

If Ezri Konsa remains absent due to illness, Kortney Hause will continue to deputise in the middle of the backline.

Allardyce is expected to name an unchanged XI for his first fixture in The Hawthorns dugout.

Matheus Pereira remains absent for the Baggies as he serves the final game of his three-match ban.

West Bromwich Albion possible starting lineup: Johnstone; Furlong, O'Shea, Ajayi, Gibbs; Phillips, Gallagher, Sawyers, Livermore, Diangana; Grant

Aston Villa possible starting lineup: Martinez; Cash, Hause, Mings, Targett; Luiz, McGinn; El Ghazi, Barkley, Grealish; Watkins

We say: West Bromwich Albion 1-2 Aston Villa

On the back of their draw with Man City, we expect West Brom to be firing on all cylinders in this game. However, if discipline is lost in defensive areas, Villa have the firepower to make the Baggies pay, and the visitors could edge an entertaining encounter on Sunday night.

Top betting tip

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