There is renewed optimism among Sunderland fans following the appointment of Sam Allardyce, and growing pessimism among West Bromwich Albion fans following their woeful recent form. While Allardyce might settle for a clean sheet as he tries to stabilise Sunderland, Pulis needs to show far more ambition than at Crystal Palace two weeks ago. Both sides look like being in a long relegation battle so can ill afford to lose to the other even at this stage of the season. Paul Doyle
Kick-off Saturday 3pm
Venue The Hawthorns
Last season West Bromwich 2 Sunderland 2
Referee M Atkinson
This season G11, Y56, R0, 5.1 cards per game
Odds H 19-20 A 10-3 D 23-10
West Bromwich Albion
Subs from Lindegaard, Olsson, Yacob, Chester, Anichebe, Pocognoli, Gamboa, Lambert, Sessègnon, Gnabry, Nabi
Doubtful Berahino (back), Evans (hamstring), Morrison (ankle), Olsson (groin), Rondón (match fitness)
Injured Foster (knee, Jan)
Suspended None
Form LLWDWL
Discipline Y19 R0
Leading scorer Berahino, Morrison 2
Sunderland
Subs from Mannone, Van Aanholt, Bridcutt, Brown, Buckley, Gómez, Defoe, Larsson, Rodwell, Matthews, Graham
Doubtful Kaboul (knee), Matthews (ankle), M’Vila (hamstring), Toivonen (groin)
Injured None
Suspended Coates (one match), Lens (one match)
Form DLLLD
Discipline Y21 R2
Leading scorers Three players 2
