Sunderland go into the weekend still looking for their first Premier League win of the season.
The Lads welcome West Bromich Albion to the Stadium Of Light looking to put last weeks collapse which saw David Moyes’ men blow a 2-0 lead behind them, as Crystal Palace scored a late goal to win 3-2.
This could be seen as a must win already in the season. West Brom are likely to finish in the bottom half at the end of the season, maybe even be in a relegation scrap so these are the games must win, especially at home. It won’t be easy however. We all know how tough and resilient Tony Pulis sides are.
Going into the game we will be making a Combined XI of the two teams and finding out just how many West Brom players could get into the Sunderland side, based on this seasons form alone.
Jordan Pickford
Both clubs have very good goalkeepers so this one was a difficult choice. Pickford gets the nod just ahead of Foster though. The 22 year old has been in fantastic form this season. A rare positive in an already bleak season.
Javi Manquillo
Fluctuating displays so far this season from Javi Manquillo, but in the games where he has been good, he looks like a real talent. Allan Nyom has got off to a good start in his Baggies career, but Manquillo offensively gives him the edge here.
Jonny Evans
You would associate Evans as a centre back but for the last few months now the ex Sunderland loanee has been playing left back for West Brom. He may not have the attacking ability of Van Aanholt, but he is way more defensively solid than the Dutchman.
Craig Dawson
This one was a toss up between Dawson and McCauly, as Sunderland’s other centre back, Papy Djilobodji, is unfortunately not having a great time at the moment. Dawson is an unsung hero at the back for the Baggies. He’s an old school type centre back, maybe not the most glamorous, but he gets the job done, and has enjoyed a bright start to the season.
Lamine Kone
While Sunderland’s defence has been far from great this season, there is little Lamine Kone could’ve done about it. The Ivorian has been strong this season and his quality is easy to see. I would expect him to hit the heights of his form last season soon.
Darren Fletcher
Rarely fazed in the centre of the pitch, you can tell that Darren Fletcher is as experienced as they come. He leads West Brom and more often than not, when he plays well, West Brom play well.
Jan Kirchhoff
I may be slightly contradicting my own rules here as Jan was poor against Palace, but he has just come back from injury and he did put in a very good display away to Spurs a couple of weeks back. Kirchhoff has now had a few matches under his belt so hopefully we’ll see him at his best on Saturday because he’s a real class act.
Didier Ndong
Sunderland’s record signing has got off to a decent start to his Black Cats career. He always wants the ball and looks comfortable on it, and his powerful bursts forward could cause problems for defenders over the season. He could well be the most creative central player on Saturday.
Nacer Chadli
Chadli has hit the floor running at West Brom. 2 goals and 2 assists against West Ham and another good performance last week at Stoke. He really is a player you look at and think “why didn’t we buy him?”. Especially given our lack of creativity in wide areas. Which explains my next choice:
Matt Phillips
Similar to Dawson, Matt Phillips isn’t the most glamorous player in the Premier League, but he is consistent. Whether he is going on the outside and whipping crosses in or cutting inside and getting shots away, he is a danger.
Jermain Defoe
Even under the pressure Defoe is under to perform, he is delivering. Last season’s top scorer has picked up where he left off last season and is already on 4 goals so far this campaign. While Rondon has also got off to a decent start, his predatory instincts in the box don’t match Defoe. Few do in fairness.