PREM: West Bromwich Albion v Sunderland preview

West Bromwich Albion v Sunderland preview

West Bromwich Albion will be confident of maintaining their strong record against teams in the bottom half of the Premier League when Sunderland visit on Saturday.

The Baggies have picked up 21 of their 29 points this season against teams 10th or below in the league standings.

Matt Phillips has played a key role in their success, as he's been directly involved in 11 goals in his last 11 Premier League appearances.

Sunderland, who are second bottom, haven't won any of their last six games in all competitions, losing four of those matches.

Jake Livermore could make his West Brom debut after the midfielder trained with the Baggies on Friday having completed his switch from Hull City.

Albion will give defender Jonny Evans a late fitness test as he continues to struggle with a calf injury.

Saido Berahino is unlikely to feature as talks with Stoke over a possible move remain ongoing, while Allan Nyom is still waiting for FIFA clearance to play having been left out of Cameroon's African Nations Cup squad.

Sunderland midfielder Jack Rodwell is expected to be fit after his knee injury proved not to be as serious as first thought.

Rodwell missed the midweek FA Cup third-round replay defeat at Burnley after suffering suspected medial ligament damage against Stoke at the weekend, but a scan revealed no lasting damage and he should be available for the game at the Hawthorns.

Fellow midfielder Steven Pienaar (calf) and striker Victor Anichebe (hamstring) could feature, but full-back Javier Manquillo (calf) is a doubt while 'keeper Jordan Pickford, defender Jan Kirchhoff, midfielder Paddy McNair and striker Duncan Watmore (all knee) are among the many other absentees.