Remy to lead Newcastle and West Brom goalfest at St James’ Park

The last eight games between Newcastle and West Brom at St James’ Park have feature three or more goals and over 2.5 goals should be backed at 8/11.

Whilst Newcastle have some decent central defenders in the form of Mike Williamson and Fabricio Colloccini, the Magpies’ emphasis is not usually on their defensive duties.

The results show that Newcastle have kept clean-sheets against Chelsea and Tottenham in tow of their last three games.

However the latter was down to goalkeeper Tim Krul who had the game of his life and he can only keep the opposition at bay for so long.

Norwich – who had only scored three goals away from home – managed to score at St James’ last week and Alan Pardew’s side often look vulnerable at the back.

Bet on over 2.5 goals at 8/11

West Brom have scored six in their last three and Steve Clarke’s side has one of the Premier League’s in-form strikers in Shane Long.

The Irishman was deadly against Aston Villa on Monday in their 2-2 draw but unfortunately wasn’t backed up by the rest of his team.

The Baggies have only scored 14 goals this season but the presence of Claudio Yacob and Youssouf Mulumbu in midfield allows the more attack-minded players like Stephane Sessegnon and Morgan Amalfitano to get forward.

With Chris Brunt’s left foot a potent weapon from set-pieces it’s easy to see where the goals have started coming from and the visitors should score.

Long is 2/1 to score at anytime as he did in the return fixture last season.

Bet on Shane Long to score at anytime at 2/1

Newcastle’s goal-threat this season can be summed up in one word: France.

Loic Remy has won over the Toon fans with eight league goals and the man from Lyon has been ably supported by compatriots Yoan Gouffran (3), Hatem Ben Arfa (2), Yohan Cabaye (2) and Mathieu Debuchy (1).

In fact only one of Newcastle’s 17 goals this season has been scored by a non-French player, with youngster Paul Dummett getting their second goal against Liverpool in October.

Remy is 5/1 to score first and 5/4 to score at anytime.

Pardew’s French brigade have won four of their last five Premier League matches and currently sit in eighth place in the table.

However there is a five-point gap back to WBA two places below them and this is a good opportunity for the home side to break into the top five.

Bet on Newcastle to win at 23/20

St James’ Park will be buzzing and 23/20 about the home side looks tempting.

Cheick Tiote and Yohan Cabaye have developed a good understanding in the centre of midfield and only five teams – the big five – have scored more goals than Newcastle this season.

History however shows that this match has been a stumbling block for Newcastle in the past; they have only won one of their last four home matches against West Brom.

The best approach then might just be to back over 2.5 goals and cheer on both teams when they go on the offensive.

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Over 2.5 goals at 8/11