Match Preview: Sunderland AFC vs West Bromwich Albion FC
Sunderland will face fellow promotion rivals West Brom at the Stadium of Light in a much-anticipated Championship match on Tuesday evening.
Sunderland dropped from their position at the top of the league after Femi Azeez from Millwall scored a last-minute equalizer last Saturday. The Black Cats went ahead early in the match, with Aaron Connolly netting his first goal for the team within the first ten minutes.
Millwall's persistent offense secured a draw for the home team at The Den, causing Sunderland to drop to second place following Leeds United's victory over Swansea.
West Brom aims to continue their stretch of eight games without a loss, as Carlos Corberán's team is currently in sixth place in the Championship.
The Baggies have tied seven out of their last eight matches, with their latest game ending in a 2-2 draw against Norwich. In that match, their leading scorer and former Sunderland forward, Josh Maja, along with Mason Holgate, found the back of the net.
Jobe Bellingham is likely to be back in the starting lineup under Regis Le Bris, following his suspension due to a red card he received at Loftus Road. Additionally, Patrick Roberts and Trai Hume are set to feature in the match.
Sunderland continues to be without Alan Browne and Romaine Mundle, both of whom are dealing with long-term injuries. The team also hasn’t had Salis Abdul Samed available, as he has not yet played since joining in the summer.
Full-back Denis Cirkin's status remains uncertain after he fractured his wrist during the match against QPR.
The home team has triumphed in their last three encounters against the Baggies, with a particularly significant 1-0 victory on the road that contributed to Sunderland's playoff efforts last season.
Former Sunderland forward and leading scorer for West Brom, Josh Maja, is likely to pose a challenge for Le Bris' defense, having already netted ten goals in the league this season.
Sunderland's Wilson Isidor is aiming to increase his goal count, currently at five. He has found the net in the last two matches at the Stadium of Light.
