West Brom v Sunderland
15:00 - 21/1/17 - The Hawthorns, West Bromwich
West Brom were put to the sword at White Hart Lane, but they are still in the top eight, and this week they take on Sunderland, who are winless in their last four in the league. The Baggies have only lost to Man United in their last five home league games and Sunderland have lost seven of their last 11 games against top-half teams, so the odds are stacked against the Black Cats, who are only being kept off the bottom of the table by goal difference.
West Brom have historically been very good at home against Sunderland. They have not lost at The Hawthorns against them since 2007 (when both teams were in the Championship), and they’ve won to nil in five of their last seven against the Black Cats at home. This season they’ve won all three of their home games against bottom-six sides by two goals, but they’ve conceded on each occasion, so we’re reluctant to back the home win to nil, especially given that Sunderland have got on the scoresheet in six of their last eight games against top-half sides, despite losing five of the eight games in this stretch.
Sunderland are missing a slew of key players through injury and international duty and have a tough midweek FA Cup replay against Burnley (who are strong at home, particularly against struggling sides), so we think West Brom will bounce back from last weekend with ease. We’re backing West Brom on the -1 handicap.
