West Bromwich Albion and Sunderland square off at The Hawthorns on Sunday afternoon knowing that a victory could be crucial in their bid to secure a Championship playoff spot.
The Baggies and Black Cats head into the weekend sitting in seventh and ninth position in the standings respectively, something which will change after Saturday's fixture.
Match preview
© Reuters
Since Carlos Corberan's initial impact at West Brom, his side have struggled for consistency in the second tier, winning no more than two matches in a row since the middle of January.
Nevertheless, collecting five victories from their last 10 outings, combined with the teams around them also struggling to put together sustained runs of form, has led to West Brom becoming favourites for a top-six place.
Back-to-back away triumphs at Stoke City and Blackpool have left the Baggies one point adrift of Blackburn Rovers, as well as two points behind fifth-placed Millwall who have played a game more.
With Sheffield United, Norwich City and Swansea City to follow, Corberan will recognise that there is still much work ahead, yet clubs will now fear playing the West Midlands outfit now that they have built some momentum.
West Brom are also without a defeat at their home ground since the end of October, something which will not be lost on their upcoming opponents.
© Reuters
That said, while West Brom possess the sixth-best home record in the division, Sunderland hold the fifth-best return on their travels, collecting 33 points from 21 matches.
Tony Mowbray, a former West Brom manager, has witnessed his side put together a six-match undefeated streak of late, albeit with four draws included.
The two wins came against Cardiff City and Birmingham City, although they failed to take advantage of a half-time lead against Huddersfield Town in midweek as the Terriers earned a 1-1 draw at the Stadium of Light.
Sunderland have recorded seven points from their last three matches away from home, but they did lose to West Brom in the reverse fixture back in December.
Team News
© Reuters
With Nathaniel Chalobah joining West Brom's injury list, Taylor Gardner-Hickman looks in line to deputise in central midfield.
However, Tom Rogic and Jake Livermore are also alternatives for Corberan, who currently does not have the squad depth to make major changes to his team.
Marc Albrighton is an option on one of the flanks if the Spaniard wishes to introduce any fresh legs.
Mowbray finds himself in a similar position in terms of numbers with Danny Batth and Edouard Michut both needing to come through fitness tests to make this game.
Dennis Cirkin returns after suspension and he will feature at centre-back or left-back, depending on whether Batth shakes off the issue that he sustained in the latter stages versus Huddersfield.
West Bromwich Albion possible starting lineup:
Palmer; Furlong, Ajayi, Pieters, Townsend; Molumby, Gardner-Hickman; Wallace, Swift, Grant; Thomas-Asante
Sunderland possible starting lineup:
Patterson; Hume, O'Nien, Cirkin, Gooch; Roberts, Neil, Pritchard; Diallo, Gelhardt, Clarke
We say: West Bromwich Albion 2-1 Sunderland
With both sides having found some form of late, we expect this to be a competitive fixture decided by narrow margins. Sunderland deserve respect for the away record that they have put together this season, but we cannot back against West Brom on familiar territory.
For data analysis of the most likely results, scorelines and more for this match please click here.
