The local rivals will meet twice in the space of just four days, with the first of these matches having much greater importance for Aston Villa, who are desperately trying to escape the relegation zone.

Meanwhile, West Bromwich seriously improved their survival hopes by defeating top 4 hopefuls Southampton and they arrive at Villa Park in great spirits.

It remains to be seen whether club’s decision to sack Paul Lambert will prove correct, but the reality is the players needed a kick in the teeth following the dismal run of results.

New manager Tim Sherwood has failed to bring any improvement so far, with Villa losing to Stoke and Newcastle to extend the run to seven defeats on the bounce.

Having said that, a victory over bitter rivals West Brom would be a perfect way to end the barren run, although I am not sure there is value in odds of 2.70 (17/10) offered at Paddy Power.

It is clear that the lack of confidence is seriously affecting team’s performances and no doubt the hosts are in desperate need of a morale-boosting triumph.

The new boss is unlikely to make major changes to the starting line-up, although Andreas Weimann and Carlos Sanchez are pushing for starting places.

Nathan Baker and Philippe Senderos are out injured, while Aly Cissokho and Kieran Richardson could play a part.

Probable starting line-up (4-3-3): Guzan – Hutton, Vlaar, Clark, Lowton – Cleverley, Westwood, Delph – Agbonlahor, Benteke, Weimann.

Seeing as it was miracle worker Tony Pulis who took over the reigns at the Hawthorns, it is fair to say nobody has been surprised with West Brom’s recent uptrend in fortunes.

The former Stoke and Crystal Palace boss didn’t need long to get the Baggies back on the right track, with the team losing just one of first ten games under the new manager.

While West Brom did brilliantly to reach the FA Cup quarter-finals, where they will face none other than local rivals Aston Villa, the team also showed considerable improvement in the league.

The Baggies escaped the danger zone by taking eight points from last four matches, keeping three clean sheets in the process.

And having defeated Champions League hopefuls Southampton last time out, West Brom can be backed at 3.12 (53/25) to claim maximum points at Villa Park.

Tony Pulis is not without problems ahead of the local derby, with Saido Berahino, Victor Anichebe and Ideye Brown all facing fitness tests.

Probable starting line-up (4-4-2): Foster – Dawson, McAuley, Lescott, Brunt – Morrison, Yacob, Fletcher, Gardner – Ideye, Berahino.