Sunderland vs West Brom predictions: Baggies can keep building momentum
- Sunderland have lost two of their last three at home
- West Brom have won three in a row
- Recommended bet: West Brom to win
West Brom will attempt to keep climbing the Championship standings on Monday when they head north to take on Sunderland.
The Black Cats returned from the mid-season break early to take on Millwall on December 3, earning a 3-0 win, but that was just their third victory at home this campaign.
West Brom are expected to pose a stronger challenge at the Stadium of Light after showing major improvement since the appointment of Carlos Corberan on October 25.
The Baggies make the trip sitting in the relegation zone but a win would propel them up the standings to 17th as they look to kick on further.
Team news
Sunderland have been without frontman Ross Stewart since he bagged a brace in the 3-0 win over Rotherham at the end of August.
Stewart, who has five goals to his name this season, has fully recovered from a thigh injury but it is unlikely he will be risked from the start.
Tony Mowbray is expected to name the same starting XI that beat Millwall, with Patrick Roberts set to miss out as Amad Diallo continues to impress.
West Brom boss Corberan confirmed several players are doubts with minor issues and he may need to shuffle the pack.
Daryl Dike has been struggling with illness over recent days but he is pushing for a place in the squad, while Semi Ajayi could also return after a long-term absence.
The stats
Sunderland's win over Millwall last time out means they have recorded back-to-back victories in the league for the first time this season.
The Black Cats have earned the majority of their points (17) on the road and have the third-best away record in the Championship.
After swapping Steve Bruce for Corberan, West Brom are moving in the right direction and the Spanish boss has won three and lost one of his games at the helm.
West Brom have picked up three clean sheets across those four fixtures — as many as they did in the 16 before Corberan arrived.
Each of the last three meetings between Sunderland and West Brom at the Stadium of Light — all coming in the Premier League — have ended in a draw.
Prediction
Corberan has wasted little time in putting his stamp on this West Brom squad and they look more than capable of climbing clear of a relegation battle.
The World Cup break came at just the wrong time for the Baggies, having won three in a row, and they will be eager to pick up where they left off.
Sunderland played last weekend and have had the chance to shake off the cobwebs, however, West Brom should have too much quality in all areas and their newfound defensive solidity can see them over the line.
