The Baggies and the Black Cats currently sit in the bottom two positions in the league table, with a victory apiece in the League Cup all that they have to show for their season so far.
Defeats to Fulham, Crystal Palace and Arsenal have so far dampened the Paolo Di Canio ‘revolution’ which bought a colossal 13 new faces to Wearside this summer, although they were extremely unlucky not to see out an away win at Southampton three games ago, and they’re already approaching their next fixture away at West Bromwich Albion in much need of their first three points.
But for all the recent talk condemning the enthusiastic Di Canio so early on, West Brom are only one position above Sunderland in 19th place and Steve Clarke is also desperate for a win after seeing his side do the complete opposite of last season by starting off rather slow this time around, with just two points being collected thus far.
West Brom head coach Steve Clarke will have new signing Stephane Sessegnon at his disposal after the former Sunderland man was finally handed a work permit earlier this week.
Sunderland boss Paolo Di Canio will be able to call upon defender John O'Shea, who missed the 3-1 defeat to Arsenal through suspension.
The Italian could also recall midfielder Craig Gardner, who came off the bench to score last weekend.
West Bromwich Albion: Myhill; Olsson, Ridgewell, McAuley, Jones; Yacob, Brunt, Amalfitano, Mulumbu; Anichebe, Sessegnon
Sunderland: Westwood; Celustka, Colback, Diakite, O'Shea; Ki, Johnson, Gardner, Mavrias; Fletcher, Altidore
