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.

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.

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.

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.

The key stats ahead of West Brom's Championship clash with Norwich City on Saturday afternoon.

Sunderland manager Regis Le Bris has identified Josh Maja as a potential threat ahead of his side’s meeting with West Bromwich Albion. Maja has scored on a consistent basis for West Brom this season.