Match Preview: Sunderland AFC vs West Bromwich Albion FC

Yesterday at 09:12 AM

Sunderland host fellow promotions contenders West Brom at the Stadium of Light in a highly anticipated Sky Bet Championship fixture on Tuesday night.

Last time out:

Sunderland lost their league leaders status after a last-minute equaliser by Millwall’s Femi Azeez, last Saturday. The Black Cats took the lead in the opening ten minutes through Aaron Connolly, grabbing his first goal for the Wearside team.  

Millwall's relentless attack earned the home side a point at The Den, meaning Sunderland fall to second place after a Leeds United win at Swansea. 

West Brom hope to maintain their eight-game unbeaten run, Carlos Corbean’s side currently sit at sixth in the Championship. 

The Baggies have drawn seven of their last eight, most recently a 2-2 display with Norwich, including goals from top scorer, Ex Sunderland striker, Josh Maja and Mason Holgate. 

Team News:

Jobe Bellingham is expected to return to Regis Le Bris' starting 11, after facing a suspension for a red card picked up at Loftus Road. Patrick Roberts and Trai Hume will also make an appearance.  

Sunderland are still without Alan Browne and Romaine Mundle who battle with long term injuries. Sunderland still misses Salis Abdul Samed, who is yet to appear since signing in the summer. 

Full-back Denis Cirkin is still in doubt after suffering a broken wrist at QPR.  

Head-to-Head:  

The home side have won the last three meetings with the Baggies, most notably a 1-0 away win leading to Sunderland's play off campaign last season. 

Ones to Watch:

Ex Sunderland striker and West Brom top scorer Josh Maja is expected to cause problems for Le Bris' defensive line, already bagging ten league goals this season. 

Sunderland’s Wilson Isidor hopes to add to his goal tally of five, he has scored in the Black Cats last two games at the Stadium of Light.