West Bromwich vs. Sunderland Prediction, Match Preview and Betting Tips, 5 April 2025 - bettingexpert
As the Championship season hurtles towards its conclusion, this clash between West Bromwich Albion and Sunderland at The Hawthorns promises to be a pivotal encounter.
Currently, West Brom sits in 6th place with 57 points, navigating a season of mixed results, while Sunderland, positioned 4th with 72 points, is demonstrating strong promotion ambitions. The weather could impact play, but with Sunderland’s consistent goal-scoring and West Brom’s high draw frequency, a closely contested match is on the cards.
Injuries plague Tony Mowbray’s squad, particularly the absence of top scorer Josh Maja, while Sunderland’s Jobe Bellingham’s potential move to RB Leipzig could add a distraction to Régis Le Bris’s side.
Our prediction? A draw seems likely given both teams’ form and defensive performance.
West Bromwich vs Sunderland Prediction & Betting Tip
Our recommended betting tip is to bet on a draw. Here’s why:
Both teams have shown similar defensive strengths, which could lead to a tight contest.
West Bromwich has a history of drawing games this season, with 18 draws so far.
Injuries on both sides, particularly to key offensive players like Josh Maja for West Bromwich, might limit scoring opportunities.
| West Bromwich vs Sunderland Prediction | |
|---|---|
| Betting tip | Odds |
| Bet on a draw | 3.18 |
- West Bromwich’s attacking options are hampered by injuries, making a low-scoring draw probable.
- Both teams have only kept one clean sheet in their last five games, indicating potential for a balanced encounter.
- Sunderland has scored in 82% of their matches this season, but their defensive lapses late in games could lead to a stalemate.
West Bromwich vs Sunderland Odds
When it comes to the odds for this Championship clash at The Hawthorns, the bookmakers have their say. West Bromwich Albion is the favourite, but it’s not a one-sided affair. Here’s a quick look at the betting odds:
| West Bromwich vs Sunderland Betting Odds | |
|---|---|
| Bet | Odds |
| West Bromwich Albion | 2.43 |
| Draw | 3.18 |
| Sunderland | 2.87 |
Despite Sunderland’s higher league position, the odds suggest a closely contested match. West Bromwich’s slight edge as favourites reflects their home advantage, but the high draw odds at 3.18 indicate expectations of a tight and competitive game.
West Bromwich Team Analysis
West Bromwich Recent Performance
West Bromwich Albion have shown resilience in their recent performances, avoiding defeat in four of their last five games. However, they’ve also struggled to secure wins consistently.
| Home team | Away team | Date | Competition | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Norwich | West Bromwich | 2025-03-29 | Championship | 1-0 (Loss) |
| West Bromwich | Hull | 2025-03-15 | Championship | 1-1 (Draw) |
| Burnley | West Bromwich | 2025-03-11 | Championship | 1-1 (Draw) |
| West Bromwich | Queens Park Rangers | 2025-03-08 | Championship | 1-0 (Win) |
| Leeds | West Bromwich | 2025-03-01 | Championship | 1-1 (Draw) |
Recent Form: DLWDW
In the recent fixtures, West Bromwich:
- Scored an average of 0.80 goals per match.
- Managed one clean sheet.
- Draws have been their most frequent outcome, highlighting a tendency to share the spoils.
These results demonstrate a defensively cautious approach but an attacking struggle exacerbated by key injuries.
West Bromwich Key Players
With injuries impacting the squad, certain players will need to step up for West Bromwich Albion. Josh Maja, typically the top scorer with 12 goals, is sidelined, putting pressure on Adam Armstrong to lead the attacking front.
In midfield, Karlan Grant’s creativity and playmaking will be crucial, especially in linking up with John Swift on the wing. Defensively, Kyle Bartley and Mason Holgate will be essential in keeping Sunderland’s forward line, led by Wilson Isidor, at bay.
Expected lineup for West Bromwich Albion:
- Goalkeeper: Joe Wildsmith
- Defenders: Mason Holgate, Kyle Bartley, Torbjørn Heggem, Callum Styles
- Midfielders: Tom Fellows, Jayson Molumby, Alex Mowatt, Karlan Grant, John Swift
- Forward: Adam Armstrong
This mix of experience and skill will be pivotal in navigating their challenging match against Sunderland.
West Bromwich Suspensions & Injuries
West Bromwich Albion are facing a challenging injury crisis that could impact their performance against Sunderland.
| Player | Injury | Expected return |
|---|---|---|
| Josh Maja | Calf Injury | Mid April 2025 |
| Jed Wallace | Calf Injury | Mid April 2025 |
| Semi Ajayi | Hamstring Injury | Mid April 2025 |
Maja and Wallace’s absence will hinder West Bromwich’s attacking potential, putting more pressure on Adam Armstrong to deliver up front. Additionally, Semi Ajayi’s injury will test the depth of the defense, demanding strong performances from Kyle Bartley and Mason Holgate.
West Bromwich Tactics and Formation
West Bromwich Tactical Breakdown:
- Formation: 4-4-2
- Key Forward: Adam Armstrong
- Midfield Wings: Alex Mowatt (Right), John Swift (Left)
- Defensive Core: Kyle Bartley, Mason Holgate
Tony Mowbray is expected to stick with a 4-4-2 formation, using strong midfield pairings to control the center of the park. Adam Armstrong will lead the attack, shouldering much of the goal-scoring responsibility due to injuries to their top scorer, Josh Maja, and Jed Wallace. The defensive lineup will rely on veteran players like Kyle Bartley and Mason Holgate to maintain stability at the back, crucial given their recent struggles to keep clean sheets. West Bromwich’s midfield wings, Alex Mowatt and John Swift, will be tasked with creating opportunities from the flanks, providing crucial support to the strikers.
Sunderland Team Analysis
Sunderland Recent Performance
Sunderland have been in lively form recently, recording three wins, one draw, and one loss in their last five Championship matches. Let’s take a look at their recent results:
| Home team | Away team | Date | Competition | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sunderland | Millwall | 2025-03-29 | Championship | 1-0 (Win) |
| Coventry | Sunderland | 2025-03-15 | Championship | 3-0 (Loss) |
| Sunderland | Preston | 2025-03-11 | Championship | 1-1 (Draw) |
| Sunderland | Cardiff | 2025-03-08 | Championship | 2-1 (Win) |
| Sheffield Wednesday | Sunderland | 2025-02-28 | Championship | 1-2 (Win) |
These fixtures highlight Sunderland’s resilience and their ability to bounce back from setbacks. On average, Sunderland have scored 1.20 goals per game and kept one clean sheet in their last five outings.
Their steady goal-scoring means they’ve found the net in 82% of their matches this season, though their defensive fragility is evident from their recent loss to Coventry. With a solid attack led by Wilson Isidor, and a composed midfield featuring Chris Rigg and Patrick Roberts, Sunderland remain a formidable opponent despite their fluctuating form.
Sunderland Key Players
- Text related to Sunderland
- Reference players from e.g. Sunderland top assists, Sunderland top scorer goals, Sunderland expected line-up
- Include potential key individual battles on the pitch, e.g., strikers vs top defenders
- List expected line up, use last line-up if there is no information
Expected lineup for Sunderland:
- Goalkeeper: Anthony Patterson
- Defenders: Trai Hume, Chris Mepham, Luke O’Nien, Alan Browne
- Midfielders: Jobe Bellingham, Dan Neil, Romaine Mundle, Chris Rigg, Patrick Roberts
- Forward: Wilson Isidor
Key players to watch include Wilson Isidor, the top scorer with 12 goals, who will be a constant threat.
In midfield, Chris Rigg and Dan Neil will be pivotal in controlling the tempo and distributing play.
Patrick Roberts on the wing will look to exploit any defensive lapses by West Bromwich. Their individual battles with West Brom’s defenders, particularly Bartley and Heggem, could define the match’s outcome.
Sunderland Suspensions & Injuries
| Player | Injury | Expected Return |
|---|---|---|
| Daniel Ballard | Hamstring Injury | Late April 2025 |
| Niall Huggins | Knee surgery | Late April 2025 |
| Aji Alese | Broken leg | Mid June 2025 |
| Jayden Danns | Back injury | Mid April 2025 |
| Enzo Le Fée | Hamstring Injury | Mid April 2025 |
| Ian Poveda | Leg injury | Mid April 2025 |
| Salis Abdul Samed | Calf Injury | Late April 2025 |
| Leo Fuhr Hjelde | Leg injury | Mid April 2025 |
| Dennis Cirkin | Hamstring Injury | Mid April 2025 |
| Jenson Seelt | Knee injury | Early May 2025 |
Sunderland are dealing with a raft of injuries that could significantly impact their squad depth and performance. Key players like Enzo Le Fée, Dennis Cirkin, and Jayden Danns are all sidelined, which could weaken their defensive and midfield solidity. The absence of Aji Alese will particularly be felt in defense.
Given that Sunderland are already positioned higher in the standings, it remains to be seen how effectively they can manage these injuries to maintain their push for promotion. The backups will need to step up, and tactical adjustments might be necessary to cover these crucial gaps.
Sunderland Tactics and Formation
Sunderland’s Tactical Breakdown:
Formation: 4-2-3-1
Key Forward: Wilson Isidor, with 12 goals this season.
Midfield Trio:
- Right defensive midfielder: Jobe Bellingham
- Left defensive midfielder: Dan Neil
- Attacking midfielder: Chris Rigg
Defensive Strength: - One clean sheet in the last five games.
- Notable defensive lapses between the 76th and 90th minute intervals.
Notable Strategy: - Sunderland score in 82% of matches, showing a consistent attacking prowess.
- They average 2.1 yellow cards per game, indicating a robust and sometimes aggressive style of play.
This formation supports fluid transitions between defense and attack, with Rigg playing a pivotal role in connecting the midfield and forward lines.
West Bromwich vs Sunderland Head-to-Head Statistics
| Home team | Away team | Date | Competition | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sunderland | West Bromwich | 2024-11-26 | Championship | 0-0 (Draw) |
| West Bromwich | Sunderland | 2024-04-13 | Championship | 0-1 (Loss) |
| Sunderland | West Bromwich | 2023-12-09 | Championship | 2-1 (Loss) |
| West Bromwich | Sunderland | 2023-04-23 | Championship | 1-2 (Loss) |
| Sunderland | West Bromwich | 2022-12-12 | Championship | 1-2 (Win) |
The recent encounters between West Bromwich and Sunderland have predominantly favored Sunderland, with West Bromwich managing only one victory in the past five matches.
Their last meeting ended in a goalless draw, reflecting the competitive nature of these fixtures.
Interestingly, Sunderland have secured wins in three of the previous five matchups, highlighting their favorable record against West Bromwich.
Odds accurate as of 3rd April 2025 12:34, and are subject to change. Please always check the odds before placing your bets with any bookmaker.
