A run of 17 games without a clean sheet has undermined the improvements implemented by Sam Allardyce at Sunderland. “It means we need to score twice to stand a chance of winning,” said Allardyce who will aim to put such defensive shortcomings right at the expense of his friend Tony Pulis in what threatens to prove a less than expansive contest. While West Brom enjoy the luxury of mid-table security, anything less than victory will escalate Wearside relegation concerns. Louise Taylor
Kick-off Saturday 3pm
Venue Stadium of Light
Last season Sunderland 0 West Bromwich Albion 0
Referee Roger East
This season G20, Y54, R0, 2.7 cards per game
Odds H 15-13 A 3-1 D 12-5
Sunderland
Subs from Pickford, O’Shea, Brown, Jones, Cattermole, Lens, Toivonen, Larsson, N’Doye
Doubtful None
Injured Watmore (ankle, unknown)
Suspended None
Form DWLDDD
Discipline Y53 R2
Leading scorer Defoe 12
West Bromwich Albion
Subs from Myhill, Sandro, McAuley, Anichebe, Pritchard, Lambert, Pocognoli, Gardner, Gamboa, McManaman
Doubtful McManaman (ankle)
Injured Morrison (hamstring, 9 Apr), Brunt (knee, Oct)
Suspended None
Form LWWDWL
Discipline Y56 R3
Leading scorer Rondón 7
