The battle of the newly-promoted team will see Newcastle visiting West Brom on Sunday in a game that is very important for both sides. The two promoted teams enjoyed a good start to the season and after 15 games Newcasle are 9th in the table while West Brom are 12th, tied on 19 points. Whoever wins this one will have a stronger position in the top 10 while the losing side might slide down towards the relegation zone.
Promoted West Brom will meet Manchester United at home on Saturday and the game is quite important for both sides. West Brom have lost their last league game, 3-1 at home against Blackburn, and the Baggies slid down into 14th place. Menchester United were held to a 1-1 draw at Brimingham and although the Red Devils are still top of the table Manchester City are very close to them, tied on 38 points.
Poor decision, Di Matteo was doing a very good job.
The situation required drastic measures, he had to go!
The Italian manager and former Chelsea player Roberto Di Matteo has been axed by the Baggies after Saturday's 3-0 defeat at Manchester City - their 13th loss in 18 games - left Albion only two points clear of the drop zone. The manager insists that he was shocked by the decision: "I was extremely surprised and disappointed to be relieved of my duties today. Winning promotion to the Barclays Premier League with West Brom last season was without doubt one of the highlights of my career and certainly my managerial career. Playing in this league is tough and we have had to compete against some fantastic sides but we have shown that we can compete with the best."
West Bromwich Albion have appointed former Liverpool boss Roy Hodgson as manager after sacking Roberto Di Matteo, the man who led them to promotion last season. Albion are currently fourth bottom in the table with 27 points and have 12 games remaining to ensure their top-flight status. Last weekend the Baggies threw away a three-goal lead and drew 3-3 with West Ham and Roy Hodgson is not sure that the current players can avoid the drop: "I'm afraid after 90 minutes working with them today and 90 minutes watching them on Saturday, I can't answer that question. I would like to say so, but it would be foolish of me to make rash statements."
An important relegation battle will take place on Sunday as 17th placed West Brom will take on bottom club Wolves. There are only three points separating the two teams in the Premier League table so this will be a crucial game for both sides. West Brom grabbed a 3-3 draw against West Ham last week but new manager Roy Hodgson will be looking to get all three points this time. Wolves were beaten 2-0 at Arsenal last week.
