West Brom travel to the Stadium of Light to face Sunderland in the EFL Championship on Saturday (December 9). The Baggies are on television once again with their game kicking off at 12.30 pm, because it has been chosen for Sky Sports coverage.
The hosts go into the game without a manager after parting company with Tony Mowbray on Monday. Mike Dodds, who was once a coach at Birmingham City, has been placed in temporary charge whilst the Wearside club find a replacement. Reims boss Will Still is amongst the contenders, as well as Swedish coach Kim Hellberg, according to the Scandinavian media.
A win for Carlos Corberan's side wouldn't see them move up a place, however they would create a further gap between themselves and sixth-placed Hull City who are just two points behind. Should Sunderland win then they would move into the play-off places, leapfrogging Blackburn Rovers, Preston North End and Hull. West Brom's form against Sunderland is respectable, having lost just twice in the last 10 meetings between the two, with four wins and four defeats.
December is a busy period for clubs, and there are midweek matches to come next week, so availability will be key for managers. West Brom have been dealt a blow however after Matt Phillips was ruled out for four months because of a hamstring injury. Phillips had a consecutive run of starts in recent weeks, and has been a consistent performer this term, but now West Brom's already stretched squad will have to look to different options before the opening of the January transfer window.
Here's all the latest team news for the Baggies and the Black Cats including a recent suspension and a major injury concern.
1. Matt Phillips - out
West Brom have been hit with a major injury concern. Matt Phillips is expected to be out for the next four months after damaging his hamstring. He's out of contract in the summer, and may have played his last game for the club. Photo: Getty Images
2. Matt Phillips - out (continued)
Carlos Corberan said on December 6: Unfortunately, Matty has suffered an important injury. The tendon in his hamstring has been damaged, as has the muscle. “He has been speaking with the consultant to see if we need to proceed with surgery or not. “The decision to have surgery is about the risk. The timing will not make too much difference. “He will be out of the team for the next four months. “He’s a very well-respected player because he’s an example for every single player in the squad. He works so hard to prevent injuries. He’s always one of the first in the building and one of the last out at night. “Sometimes, injuries are part of football and we have to accept it. “It’s such a pity because he loves being part of the group and he loves football. He is going to suffer a lot in this period of time, being out of the group. “He’s an important player for the group and the rest of the players are really disappointed for him.” Photo: Getty Images
3. Jed Wallace (West Brom) - OUT
Suffered a shoulder injury in the 1-0 win over Cardiff City last week. He's not broken or dislocated his shoulder, but he will spend at least some time on the sidelines, and could be out for up to a month. Photo: Clive Mason/Getty Images
4. Jed Wallace - out (continued)
Carlos Corberan said on December 2: "With Wallace, he has the problem in the shoulder, I think he will be out of the team two or three weeks depending how he progresses." Photo: Getty Images