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.
5. Kyle Bartley - doubt
Bartley, who has played 14 Championship matches this season, felt his hamstring during West Brom's game against Cardiff and missed the Leicester fixture. | Michael Steele/Getty Images Photo: Michael Steele/Getty Images
6. Kyle Bartley - doubt
Carlos Corberan said on December 6: "He has completed training today, if he progresses normally in the week he will be available to be with the squad." | Getty Images Photo: Getty Images
7. Daryl Dike of (West Brom) - OUT
Dike hasn't played since April when he suffered an Achilles during West Brom's 2-1 win at Stoke last season. Photo: David Rogers
8. Daryl Dike - out (continued)
Carlos Corberan said on December 6: "He is working still with the medical staff, he will start to have some part now with the physical staff. "I think in around a couple of weeks he can be involved to work with the group." | Getty Images Photo: Getty Images