please log in to view this image BARCLAYS PREMIER LEAGUE Venue: The Hawthorns Date: Saturday, 25 February TEAM NEWS January signing Keith Andrews could make his full debut for West Brom in place of Paul Scharner, who is struggling with a rib injury. Skipper Chris Brunt is close to fitness as he recovers from an ankle problem. On-loan striker Nicklas Bendtner could make a return for Sunderland after suffering a facial injury. David Vaughan is back in training after an ankle problem but is not match-ready, while Wes Brown and Titus Bramble are long-term casualties. MATCH PREVIEW An hour or so before Sunderland took on Chelsea at Stamford Bridge in January, I was lucky enough to spend 10 minutes chatting to Martin O'Neill. It reminded me just what a breath of fresh air he brings to our game. He was fizzing with banter and his trademark, darting intelligence. It's amazing to think that the Sunderland boss turns 60 next week, having lost none of his infectious enthusiasm and not that much of his hair. Sunderland's players and fans have simply been lapping it up and must feel virtually invincible at the moment. They are toying with the idea of being in Europe next season and looking forward to an FA Cup quarter-final. The impact made by the much quieter and more measured Roy Hodgson when he took over at West Brom a year ago was, perhaps, a little less spectacular, but no less significant. They were 17th when he replaced Roberto Di Matteo and finished 11th. This season, the Baggies' problems have mostly been at The Hawthorns - only Wigan have managed fewer than Albion's two home wins. I still like the way West Brom do things, though. In midfield, with Mulumbu, Morrison and Thomas, they have more than a dash of quality. Odemwingie's hat-trick at Wolves will have done him a power of good and Shane Long is definitely a Premier League-quality striker. I also reckon that Liam Ridgewell and Keith Andrews are canny additions to Hodgson's squad. Can they stop the O'Neill bandwagon though? It will take some doing. MATCH FACTS Head-to-head West Brom are unbeaten in their last four Premier League encounters with the Black Cats (W3, D1). Sunderland have lost their last two visits to The Hawthorns, failing to score on either occasion. A victory for the Baggies would be their 50th against Sunderland in all competitions. West Brom West Brom have lost their last three Premier League games at The Hawthorns. The Baggies have scored just nine goals at home this season - the worst tally in the Premier League. Albion have taken just eight points at home this season - the worst record in the league along with Wigan and Bolton. Their victory at Wolves last time out was the first time they have scored more than four goals in a Premier League fixture. Nicky Shorey could make his 50th Premier League appearance for West Brom. Sunderland The Black Cats have conceded 13 goals away from home in the Premier League this season - only Manchester United (10) and Chelsea (12) have let in fewer on their travels. Sunderland have taken 16 points from their last eight Premier League games - as many as the top two, Manchester City and Manchester United. Martin O'Neill's side have won three of their last four Premier League away games. Sebastian Larsson is one short of his 25th English league goal but has not scored in his last nine Premier League games. The Wearsiders have scored 11 goals in the last 10 minutes of Premier League games this season - equal most with Manchester City.
A draw is a decent result but they will be thinking that too and they'll be more worried about us. They play an open attacking game which is very open to counter attacks so I expect this to be end to end all game. It'll come down to who takes their chances
Clean sheet for sunderland today, we are much stronger in the defensive third, much stronger in the midfield third and probably evenly matched in the final third. Still think the lads will win it 0-2
My eldest son is on his way down and I'm gutted that I'm not with him...Let's hope for a positive result...
How times change boys and girls, a few months ago it would be, maybe f we can hang on we may, just may, get a point. Now we all expect better, happy days
0-3 Seb, Sess and McLean (only saying that cos I got all three in my fantasy team LOL In realakity I think we will win 2-0
mig bardo..turner..oshea..ricco catts...gardner....colback larsson...........................mclean sess
Well it seems to be working so far but I'd still like to see two strikers out there. Never mind, in Marty we trust.
