The result has left the Black Cats rock bottom of the league with only one point after four games, with a tough run of fixtures ahead – they play Liverpool, Manchester United and Newcastle in their next three home games.However, Sunderland will be boosted by the news that Emanuele Giaccherini and John O’Shea will return to the side for the trip to the West Midlands this weekend.Giaccherini missed last week’s clash against Arsenal through injury while captain O’Shea was suspended following his red card at Crystal Palace.In other team news Paolo Di Canio has offered midfielder Lee Cattermole, 25, a future at the club and said he could feature against Albion on Saturday. While the Italian has hit out at his summer signing Cabral, stating the ex-Basel man has a lot to learn before he can play in the Premier League.Despite a positive second half display last weekend, Sunderland fans won’t hold much faith as they head south to play West Brom. The visitors haven’t beaten the Baggies in their last seven encounters – only managing one point out of a possible 21 up for grabs.That in mind, the hosts this weekend are unbeaten against Sunderland in their last three encounters. The Baggies have scored 10 goals in the process, to the Black Cats measly one – with that single goal scored by the now departed Sessegnon.Sunderland will still feel very bitter after last weekend’s result saw them lose to Arsenal after a dubious decision from referee Martin Atkinson ruled out a Jozy Altidore goal – bringing play back for an earlier foul rather than waiting to see if there was an advantage.West Brom have just two points from from their first four matches and their opponents here are the only side below them in the standings. They have lost both of their home matches, going down 1-0 to a late Southampton penalty and 2-0 when Swansea were the visitors. The Baggies have picked up useful points at Everton (0-0) and most recently Fulham (1-1) but with Manchester United and then Arsenal providing the opposition after this, the pressure is on to find that first league win here.Sunderland have suffered defeats against three London clubs with Fulham winning 1-0 at the Stadium of Light, Palace seeing them off 3-1 at Selhurst Park and they lost their most recent outing 3-1 at home to Arsenal. Their only point so far came in a 1-1 draw at Southampton where they were pegged back in the 88th minute.
Pointers
All four of West Brom's league games have seen backers of under 2.5 goals collect.
Three of the last four Sunderland games have seen both sides find the net.
The last five head to heads have delivered for backers of over 2.5 goals and four of those five saw both sides find the net.
Sunderland's Stephane Sessegnon moved to West Brom on transfer deadline day and could be in line for a debut.
Head to Head.
Sat 23/02/13 PRL West Brom 2 - 1 Sunderland
Sat 24/11/12 PRL Sunderland 2 - 4 West Brom
Sat 25/02/12 PRL West Brom 4 - 0 Sunderland
Sat 01/10/11 PRL Sunderland 2 - 2 West Brom
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