Sunderland Host West Brom in Pivotal Championship Clash

Sunderland will welcome West Bromwich Albion to the Stadium of Light on Tuesday for their 17th Championship fixture of the season, a contest that could have significant implications for both the title race and promotion hopes.

The Black Cats sit second in the table with 32 points, level with league leaders Leeds United but trailing on goal difference. Both sides have conceded just 12 times this campaign, but Sunderland’s 26 goals scored are two fewer than Leeds. The hosts are currently the Championship’s third-best offensive side and rank joint-fourth defensively.

Their opponents, West Brom, occupy the final playoff spot, sitting sixth with 26 points after 16 matches. The Baggies are ahead of seventh-placed Watford on goal difference. Despite their position, West Brom have struggled in attack, scoring just 18 goals – the lowest tally among the top 13 teams. However, defensively, they’ve been solid, conceding just 11 times, a record bettered only by Sheffield United and Burnley.

Sunderland enter this match on the back of a frustrating 1-1 draw with Millwall on Saturday. The Black Cats dominated the first half and took an early lead but conceded a heartbreaking equaliser in the 93rd minute. Manager Regis Le Bris lamented his side’s inability to manage the game effectively, saying: “We won the first contacts often and after the second ball, we often were not able to keep the ball when it was possible. We had a big space to exploit, as was the case just before the equaliser.”

While Sunderland remain unbeaten in their last nine matches, they have drawn their previous four, including two of their last three home games. Nevertheless, the Stadium of Light has been a fortress this season, with Sunderland winning five and drawing two of their seven home fixtures.

West Brom, meanwhile, were held to a 2-2 draw against Norwich City last Thursday. Despite producing twice as many shots as their opponents, defensive lapses proved costly. Manager Carlos Corberan acknowledged his side’s attacking improvement but expressed concern over their defensive frailties: “The team has taken a positive step in attack but at the same time we have suffered more chances and goals than we want to suffer in the first half.”

The Baggies are unbeaten in their last eight games, but their inability to convert draws into wins remains a concern. They’ve drawn seven times during that run and have failed to score in four of those matches. On the road, their form has been similarly mixed, with one win, three draws, and one defeat in their last five away outings.

Team News

Sunderland will be without forwards Ahmed Abdullahi and Ian Poveda, while Aaron Connolly is a doubt due to a knock. In their absence, Eliezer Mayenda, Milan Aleksic, and Tom Watson could start behind striker Wilson Isidor.

Defensively, the hosts will miss Jenson Seelt and Niall Huggins, while midfielder Salis Abdul Samed is also unavailable. Luke O’Nien, Chris Mepham, Daniel Ballard, and Ajibola-Joshua Alese are expected to form the backline. However, Jobe Bellingham returns from suspension and will likely partner Dan Neil in midfield.

For West Brom, right-back Darnell Furlong is suspended, with Reece Hall expected to deputise. Injuries continue to plague the Baggies’ defence, with Kyle Bartley, Patrick McNair, and Semi Ajayi sidelined until December. Mason Holgate and Torbjorn Heggem are likely to feature at centre-back.

Up front, West Brom remain without striker Daryl Dike, leaving Karlan Grant and Josh Maja to lead the attack.

Predicted Lineups
Sunderland: Patterson; O’Nien, Mepham, Ballard, Alese; Bellingham, Neil; Mayenda, Aleksic, Watson; Isidor.
West Brom: Palmer; Hall, Holgate, Heggem, Styles; Fellows, Molumby, Mowatt, Johnston; Maja, Grant.

Match Preview

Sunderland’s attacking prowess and defensive solidity make them a formidable opponent, particularly at home. However, their recent inability to turn dominance into victories has raised concerns. West Brom, on the other hand, have found goals hard to come by despite improving in attack, and their defensive frailties have cost them points in recent weeks.

While Sunderland are slight favourites, given their home record and superior league position, West Brom’s resilience cannot be underestimated. The visitors may struggle to breach Sunderland’s defence, but the Black Cats’ current form suggests this could be a closely contested affair.

Prediction: Sunderland 1-0 West Brom.