Mike Dodds will take charge of his first game as Sunderland interim manager this weekend following the sacking of Tony Mowbray.
The 59-year-old manager was relieved of his duties on Monday night following last weekend’s 1-1 draw against Millwall.
The Black Cats went 3 games without a win, which led to the club replacing the coaches.
A permanent replacement is unlikely to be named in time for Saturday’s clash with West Brom, with Dodds taking over as interim coach.
The Baggies will arrive at the Stadium of Light having lost their match, a disappointing 2-1 home defeat to league leaders Leicester City.
However, Carlos Corberán’s side are in a different form, having won five of their last seven league games.
Albion sit fifth in the table, five issues ahead of their warring parties this weekend as both look to vie for a top-six spot.
This is a game in the war for a play-off place, with both groups needing a win to boost their chances of fighting for promotion this year.
Dodds will be in charge of his first game as Sunderland’s interim manager this weekend, so it’s unclear what kind of starting line-up he could choose.
A continuation of Mowbray’s usual team is certainly possible, but he could opt for some major changes in an attempt to turn the team’s form around.
Sunderland are missing a number of players this weekend but Chris Rigg is expected to return to contention after missing the Millwall draw.
Jenson Seelt could also return after leaving the team due to flu-like symptoms, as could Jewison Benette.
Otherwise, the Black Cats will be Nazariy Rusyn, Aji Alese, Dennis Cirkin and several other first-team players.
Meanwhile, West Brom will most likely be without Jed Wallace (shoulder), Matt Phillips (hamstring) and Okay Yokuslu (suspension).
Kyle Bartley is doubtful after missing Leicester’s defeat through injury, with Daryl Dike and Adam Reach still on the sidelines.
Sunderland’s clash with West Brom has been chosen for TV broadcast by Sky Sports, meaning the fixture is available on Sky Sports Main Event on Saturday from 12pm.
The game can also be viewed via streaming using a Sky Go account, or with a Now TV Sports Pass.
Sunderland boast the biggest stadium in the Championship and will be hoping it will be full for Saturday’s big clash.
Tickets can be purchased on the club’s website, with only a certain number of places available.
West Brom have been handed an allocation of 2,000 away tickets for their trip to Wearside.
Prices range from £14 for U16s to £32 for adults, with Seniors paying £29 and U22s being charged £24.
Club club is required for anyone attempting to purchase the remaining tickets on the club’s website.
The match at the Estadio de la Luz will kick off on Saturday at 12:30 p. m.
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