Light ahead

Terry Wills on Albion and international duty.

The Stadium of Light, home of struggling Sunderland who are desperately scrapping to avoid relegation. Albion, fresh from the dreadful performance against Norwich that led to Tony Pulis expressing (for want of a better word) his displeasure, demanding a vast improvement.

All the ingredients are in place for a backs to the wall game for both sides. The players themselves acknowledged that they had let themselves down ,but were determined too put things right and gather enough points too hopefully finish with the club’s highest-ever points total.

Can they do it? Playing at their best most certainty. Much will depend on who is or isn’t available after spells on the sidelines. The chosen formation and the ability of Rondon and Berahino to snap up any chances that come along. I expect the Mackems to dominate possession with Defoe the main danger. A consistent goalscorer capable of winning any game on his own; let’s hope this isn’t one of them.

With no game to worry about last week it was Goggle Box-watching time and genuine delight in watching England’s cricketers reach the semi-final of the Twenty20 Bash followed by Roy Hodgson’s new look England team playing as well as I can remember for a very long time in beating World Champions Germany in their own back yard. Pity it was spoilt by losing to Holland but watching Vardy and Harry Kane in goalscoring action left me feeling that Wayne Rooney will have to show exceptional form if he’s too be an automatic choice come Euro 2016.

Back to the Baggies and a forecast? No thank you. Your guess is as good as mine.