Sunderland, hit more than most by Africa Cup of Nations call-ups, hope to arrest a run of four winless matches against topsy-turvy West Bromwich Albion. Yet despite last Saturday’s dismantling by Spurs the hosts are worthy of a top eight place and buoyed by a versatile signing in Jake Livermore. Jermain Defoe will hope Gareth McAuley retains jitters from White Hart Lane. Stuart Goodwin
Kick-off Saturday 3pm
Venue The Hawthorns
Last season West Bromwich Albion 1 Sunderland 0
Referee Craig Pawson
This season G14, Y59, R2, 4.50 cards per game
Odds H 4-6 A 4-1 D 11-4
West Bromwich Albion
Subs from Myhill, Robson-Kanu, Gardner, McClean, Galloway, Leko, Field, Olsson, Livermore
Doubtful Brunt (back), Evans (calf)
Injured Berahino (match fitness, unknown)
Suspended None
Form WLLWWL
Discipline Y46 R0
Leading scorer Rondón 7
Sunderland
Subs from Mika, Love, Borini, Januzaj, Manquillo, Honeyman, Robson, Embleton, Asoro, Ledger, Maja
Doubtful Anichebe (hamstring), Manquillo, Pienaar (both calf), Rodwell (knee)
Injured Pickford (knee, Feb), Gooch (ankle, Mar), Cattermole (hip), Kirchhoff (knee, both Apr), Watmore (knee, Oct), McNair (knee, Aug)
Suspended None
Unavailable Khazri, Koné, Ndong (Africa Cup of Nations)
Form LWLLDL
Discipline Y46 R3
Leading scorer Defoe 12
