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Sunderland Eye Playoff Momentum in Crucial Clash Against West Brom
Right then, let’s talk about this lunchtime’s Championship showdown—West Brom vs Sunderland. There's a lot riding on this one, not just in terms of points, but momentum, confidence, and playoff readiness. Sunderland, under the stewardship of Regis Le Bris, head into this fixture with a strong sense of identity and purpose. After a solid performance against Millwall last weekend, there’s cautious optimism that the Black Cats are returning to their sharp, first-half-of-the-season form.
The lineup? It’s unchanged from last week, and that speaks volumes. Anthony Patterson holds firm between the sticks, coming off a fairly relaxed outing last time. At the back, we’ve got Alan Browne again slotting in at right-back—he impressed there, and despite the tougher test ahead, he keeps his spot. On the left, Trai Hume, who actually bagged the winner against Millwall, continues. Centrally, it’s Chris Mepham and Luke O’Nien locking things down.
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In midfield, Dan Neil anchors the trio with Chris Rigg and Jobe Bellingham ahead of him. Rigg looked sharper last week, showing signs he’s back in rhythm. Jobe, on the other hand, has been knocking on the door—he’s had a few near misses from range lately, and you get the feeling he’s due a goal. Le Fee’s return to the bench adds some healthy pressure in midfield, especially on Rigg, Roberts, and Mundle. Expect Le Fee to ease in today, likely with a 20-minute cameo to build match sharpness before the playoffs.
Up top, it’s Roberts, Isidor, and Mundle leading the line again. Roberts was lively last game, and Isidor gets another chance to play himself into form. Mayenda, unfortunately, has to wait his turn, though he’s pushing hard. As for Mundle—let’s keep an eye on whether he’s handed penalty duties. That’s still a bit of a mystery.
It’s worth mentioning Enzo Le Fee and Leo Hjelde both return to the squad from injury but start on the bench. Hjelde’s inclusion adds depth to the back line and might be in line for a start midweek if Hume’s knock becomes an issue. And yes, Tommy Watson is back in the squad, though with his upcoming move to Brighton confirmed, his minutes might be limited.
As for West Brom, they’re going with a 4-2-3-1 setup—Armstrong up front, Mowatt and Grant in attacking roles, and a midfield combo of Molumby and Diangana that’s sure to test Sunderland’s engine room.
In short, this match is more than just another league fixture—it’s a temperature check for Sunderland’s playoff readiness. With familiar faces returning and a sense of rhythm returning to the side, fans will be watching closely. Can the lads pull off another statement performance? We’re about to find out.
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