Ahead of Sunderland vs West Brom, Saturday 1st October, at the Stadium of Light, we try to understand just what’s in store for the Black Cats by interviewing West Brom reporter Alex Newton.
How has your season gone, and are you happy with your sides transfer business?
The transfer window left fans worried about the upcoming season with just five new additions made to the squad. Nacer Chadli from Tottenham was our star buy but fans remained cautious heading into the season. Six games in a few of those worries have been lifted after just two defeats in the opening weeks. The squad appear to be working well as a unit and Nacer Chadli is a real standout player.
How do you see the match going, what’s your scoreline prediction?
Sunderland vs West Brom is hardly a glamour fixture. With Tony Pulis you know you’ll be getting a defensive lineup from Albion but Sunderland have shipped a lot of goals this season. The game could go either way but I’ll opt for a 1-0 Albion victory.
Which Sunderland player could benefit your side if any?
Jermain Defoe. The veteran goal poacher is exactly what Albion are lacking in their side. In any Premier League team he guarantees you 15 goals a season something Albion have lacked the last few seasons.
Where you do see Sunderland finishing this season as well as west brom?
Sunderland at the moment look set for the drop but they always seem to find a way to escape relegation late on in the season. It could easily be another season of finishing 17th for Sunderland. Albion look set for another average season finishing around 13th.
What key battles would you say will affect the outcome of the game?
Defoe vs Rondon is the main battle. Whoever is fit and firing will win the game for their club. Both sides can be accused of over-relying on their main forwards.
You have had the likes of McClean and Sessegnon from Sunderland which former Sunderland player has proven his worth at West Brom?
Sessegnon was exciting during his time at Albion but his end product often let him down. McClean took a while to settle into the squad but has been one of our most underrated players so far this season. He’s a real workhorse who always gives his all for the shirt.
7. How do you think Anichebe will do for Sunderland and for those who haven’t seen him, what type of player is he?
A big bulky striker who is sometimes unplayable but majority of the time forgets how to play the game himself. He’s an all round good guy but his injury record is a major concern.
What weakness should Sunderland try to exploit?
There’s not a huge standout weakness in the Albion side. If I had to pinpoint one as an opposition manager it would have to be the fullbacks. While they’re solid defenders they offer little going forward and often struggle with pace and trickery.
What strengths of west brom should we look out for?
Salomon Rondon and the ability to grind out a result. Sitting bottom of the league Sunderland will want all 3 points but Albion have become notoriously hard to break down. Expect two solid banks of four.
