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Sunderland boss Steve Bruce is waiting on the fitness of three players ahead of Saturday’s game against West Brom. (kick-off 15.00 GMT)
Phil Bardsley (knee), Sulley Muntari (calf) and Kieran Richardson (hamstring) have been struggling with injury this week but Bruce is hopeful that all three will be fit to face the Baggies.
However, the Black Cats remain without Titus Bramble, David Meyler and Fraizer Campbell (all knee), but on-loan Nedum Onuoha returns to the fold having been unable to face parent club Manchester City last weekend.
West Brom, meanwhile, are boosted by the return of James Morrison from a thigh injury, but Somen Tchoyi could miss the game for personal reasons.
The game comes too soon for Graham Dorrans (ankle) so he will join Pablo Ibanez (hamstring) on the sidelines.
Last Premier League games:
Manchester City 5 SUNDERLAND 0: Mignolet, Bardsley (Elmohamady 46), Turner, Mensah, Ferdinand, Cattermole, Henderson (Zenden 59), Muntari (Colback 72), Sessegnon, Gyan, Welbeck. Not used: Gordon, Malbranque, Adams, Lynch.
WEST BROM 2 Liverpool 1: Carson, Reid, Meite, Olsson, Shorey, Scharner, Mulumbu, Brunt, Cox (Fortune 74), Thomas (Jara 90), Odemwingie. Not used: Myhill, Cech, Pablo, Vela, Zuiverloon.