Some good news and some bad news on the team news front for Steve Clarke as he heads into a match against his former club.
The Baggies boss managed just one game for Newcastle in a caretaker capacity, way back in 1999 (they lost 5-1 to Manchester United, as it happens).
His more vivid memory would have been the dramatic late Papiss Cisse winner in the reverse fixture between Albion and Newcastle in October.
Youssouf Mulumbu completes the second of his three-game ban, which means Clarke's final choice might be whether to start with Romelu Lukaku or not.
A campaign which promised so much is meandering to a close with the Geordie faithful keeping a close eye on their rear-view mirrors.
Alan Pardew's Magpies are just five points above the drop zone and although they should have enough – there are four clubs between them and Wigan – there must surely be a want to get at least one or two more wins just to be sure of survival.
The Newcastle side which arrives at The Hawthorns tomorrow will be wounded following a lethargic display and dismal result against Sunderland.
One man who won't play is Tim Krul, who dislocated a shoulder in that 3-0 home defeat and will miss the rest of this season.
Newcastle's injury problems have certainly not helped them of late. Davide Santon, Fabricio Coloccini, Ryan Taylor and talented youngster Haris Vuckic have all missed game time of late.
Newcastle's side included Mapou Yanga-Mbiwa, Mathieu Debuchy, Steven Taylor and Jonas Gutierrez but changes could follow after last Sunday's defeat.
Cheick Tiote gives bite against an Albion midfield still without Youssouf Mulumbu, with Sylvain Marveaux, Yohan Cabaye, Yoan Gouffran, Vurnon Anita and Hatem Ben Arfa all capable of causing damage from midfield.
The obvious goal threat comes from Papiss Cisse, who scored a lucky winner against Albion in the reverse fixture in October.
But ultimately, for all of Newcastle's ability, last weekend's result suggests Pardew is starting to come under serious pressure for the first time since his appointment to the club.
Scott Carson did little to convince Hodgson he was worthy of keeping his place in the side, blundering his way through the first half in what was to be his final performance for the club.
Awful in the first half, Tchoyi grabbed a 'consolation' in the 62nd minute. Only he wasn't finished. He scored Albion's second on 72 minutes before equalising at the death.
Steve Clarke: "I would like to think we could get one marquee signing every summer." Alan McInally's weekend predictions
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