West Bromwich Albion take on Aston Villa this Saturday, hoping to not only secure survival but also end one of their remaning hoodoos.

The Baggies have not beaten their closest geographical neighbours since April 1985 – losing ten of the 17 games since in all competitions.

But this season has seen them end a succession of poor runs.

They secured their first win at Everton since 1979, their first victory at Arsenal for 28 years and, most recently, ended a 30-year hoodoo against Liverpool. A similar scalp was taken when they defeated Newcastle in December.

A victory for Roy Hodgson’s men would end any further fears of relegation as there is a three-game swing between themselves and Wigan in 17th spot.

Nicky Shorey faces his former club for the first time this weekend since moving from Villa Park last summer. He is more concerned with nailing Albion’s place in the top flight, rather than settling any personal or club scores.

“The fact it’s my former club isn’t important,” said Shorey, who made 39 appearances for Villa during an unsettled two years.

“I have some good friends at Villa but the opposition doesn’t matter.

“It’s another game for us to secure safety.

“They have some top-quality players. It’s another tough game for us at home, it means no more to me from that point of view.

“Whenever you’re not playing it’s frustrating as I found earlier this season but I am now and enjoying my football.

“Saturday is another game for us to get nearer to safety. We have four left. It’s in our hands.”