West Brom face their second away game of the bounce, as they head to the Stadium of Light to face struggling Sunderland. Here are four talking points ahead of their final game before the international break.
David Moyes’ Sunderland team sit rock bottom of the league after Crystal Palace came back from 2-0 down to condemn the Black Cats their fifth defeat of the season. Sunderland’s week has only gotten worse with the news that Adnan Januzaj will be out for up to six weeks.
As they did at Stoke, Albion will look to play on their opponents’ nerves and keep the game tight for as long as possible. If Albion can exploit the tense Stadium of Light atmosphere, they have a good chance of grabbing another result on the road.
Stopping Defoe
Regardless of his team’s form, the 33-year old is still a potent force and, so far, has four of Sunderland’s five goals for the season. Defoe had plenty of chances the last time these two sides met but somehow didn’t find the back of the net. Albion can’t allow him the same opportunities this weekend or they will surely be punished.
Pulis will set up in a typically compact fashion with the hope of restricting the dangerous spaces that Defoe likes to pick up. A lot responsibility will rest on Claudio Yacob and Darren Fletcher, as they will be tasked with ensuring Albion’s centre-backs aren’t overrun by distracting midfield runners.
Enigma Anichebe
Victor Anichebe’s time at West Brom was wholly frustrating. On his day, the powerful forward could bully the opposition and provide effective hold up play. Unfortunately, these performances came once or twice a season and the ex-Everton forward spent most of his time on the physio’s table.
If he is fit, Moyes might be tempted to pair Anichebe alongside Defoe, especially in the absence of Januzaj. Albion will be hoping they don’t come up him on one of his rare unplayable outings.
Key to victory
So far this season, Albion have scored five of their seven goals from set pieces and they could be the difference again this Saturday. Especially since Sunderland showed their frailty at defending set plays when poor zonal marking gifted Crystal Palace their winner last weekend.
The likes of Salomon Rondon and Gareth McAuley will be excited by the prospect of exploiting an anxious Sunderland defence from these situations. If Albion can capitalise on these moments, they have a fantastic chance of extending Sunderland’s winless run.
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