With all the transfer talk West Bromwich Albion’s game against Sunderland in the Premier League has been pushed to the back of the mind. Jake Livermore became Albion’s first signing of the winter transfer window then later on that day the club announced a deal had been agreed with Stoke for the sale of Saido Berahino.
Heading into the game West Bromwich Albion sit 8th in the league after a solid first half of the season. Their opponents Sunderland haven’t had it quite as good as the Baggies. David Moyes’ side are in the midst of a relegation battle and currently sit 19th in the league.
How will the Baggies line up for the game against Sunderland? Take a look at our slideshow as we pick our predicted XI for the match. Will new signing Livermore get into the side?
What would your side be? Let us know in the comments below or on Twitter!
Formation – 4-5-1
GK - Ben Foster
Foster is having a brilliant season and looks set to lay every game from now until the end of the season with Albion out of both cups.
RB - Craig Dawson
Had a tricky time against Spurs but overall has been solid this season.
CB - Gareth McAuley
Been a consistent performer for Albion, a couple of rare mistakes in the past few weeks but still a mainstay in the defence.
CB - Jonas Olsson
With Evans appearing to be out with injury there’s no other option at the back.
LB - Chris Brunt
With uncertainty over the Nyom situation expect to see Brunt at the back.
RM - Matt Phillips
The first name on the team sheet.
CM - Claudio Yacob
Livermore’s arrival shouldn’t signal the end of Yacob’s time in the team.
CM - Jake Livermore
If he does make his first start for the club tomorrow it has to be in midfield where he can really influence a game.
CM - Darren Fletcher
The captain has been a little off the pace in the past few weeks, but he hasn’t been bad enough to be dropped.
LM - Nacer Chadli
Chadli has been in poor form recently but struggling Sunderland could be the perfect game for him to find his best form.
ST - Salomon Rondon
Like Chadli Rondon’s form has been a bit off recently but a couple of goals against Sunderland will get him back up and running.