West Bromwich Albion host derby rivals Aston Villa at the Hawthorns in the Premier League on Monday night, with both teams level on 14 points in the table.
The Baggies sit 11th - above Villa and Hull City on goal difference - and have posted some impressive results already this season, including the 2-1 win over champions Manchester United at Old Trafford in September.
Steve Clarke's side also came desperately close to handing decorated Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho his first ever league defeat at Stamford Bridge in the last gameweek, though a controversial penalty in stoppage time, converted by Eden Hazard, helped the Blues save their face.
"Derbies are always fun; you can see the banter between the fans and the rivalry. You can't beat the atmosphere. You look at derbies in different countries and they are not the same as in England. We're not going to over-hype things; it's a game between two good teams and we'll both go out to give our best," West Brom striker Victor Anichebe pointed out.
Villa, on the other hand, also enjoyed a few high-profile scalps this term, with the 3-1 away win against leaders Arsenal in the season opener and a 3-2 triumph at Villa Park against free-scoring Manchester City in September, standing out.
West Brom remain a strong side at home but Paul Lambert's men can take confidence from the fact that they have collected more points away on their travels this season, than at Villa Park.
"It is always a big game against a local side and West Brom are the only one that is left in the league. Every game is a big game but derby matches are massive for the players and the fans. The players know that. Lots of them have played in different derbies across the world in different leagues so they will be used to it and they will know how to handle the occasion," said Villa forward Gabriel Agbonlahor.
The last three matches between these two sides have ended in draws.
Team News
West Brom: Nicolas Anelka (groin) and Scott Sinclair (hamstring) have returned from their spell on the treatment table and both have a chance of making it to the lineup tonight. Also, Chris Brunt, Gareth McAuley and Boaz Myhill, who all pulled out of international duty, are expected to feature.
Villa: Lambert should be able to field talisman and last season's top scorer Christian Benteke, despite a knee injury ruling the Belgian out of the international friendlies. Fellow forwards Andreas Weimann (hamstring) and Gabriel Agbonlahor (ankle) are also in contention, so are Fabian Delph (knee) and Antonio Luna (hamstring). Joe Bennett misses out with a back injury though.
Where to Watch Live
Kick-off is scheduled for 1.30 am IST on Tuesday morning, with Star Sports 4 providing live coverage in the UK. You can also live stream the match online by going to the official Star Sports website.
Expected lineups
West Brom: Myhill; Reid, Olsson, McAuley, Ridgewell; Amalfitano, Mulumbu, Yacob, Brunt; Sessegnon; Long
Villa: Guzan; Bacuna, Vlaar, Baker, Luna; El Ahmadi, Westwood, Delph; Agbonlahor, Benteke, Weimann
Prediction: 2-1 to West Brom
