Follow live coverage as Sunderland face West Bromwich Albion in the Championship today. An increasingly competitive second tier in English football remains an intense and exciting competition, with the prize of a place in the Premier League on offer at the end of the season.

Resolute Albion claimed a backs-to-the-wall point in a stalemate at high-flying Sunderland in which the visitors' threadbare defence shone.

Sunderland and West Bromwich Albion played out a disappointing goalless draw which did few favours for either side's early season ambitions. For the Black Cats, it was a fifth successive draw as they dropped to third behind Burnley and missed the chance to go top.

Follow live coverage as Sunderland face West Bromwich Albion in the Championship today. An increasingly competitive second tier in English football remains an intense and exciting competition, with the prize of a place in the Premier League on offer at the end of the season.

Alex Mowatt ensured West Brom emerged from their Sky Bet Championship trip to high-flying Sunderland with some reward after his crucial block denied Chris Rigg a winner.

If there was ever a game that should be marked down for a draw on the pools coupon, this was it as the Lads take on WBA - here’s all you need to know ahead of kick-off.

Sunderland are also set to be without defenders Jenson Seelt and Niall Huggins, as well as midfielder Salis Abdul Samed, so expect to see a backline consisting of Luke O'Nien, Chris Mepham, Daniel Ballard and Ajibola-Joshua Alese.

A fourth successive league draw for Sunderland saw them surpassed by Leeds United in top spot on the Championship table by the conclusion of the weekend and they will be looking to reclaim it as they host sixth place West Bromwich Albion on Tuesday.