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5 Key Matchups For Sunderland vs. West Bromwich Albion In EPL Week 26

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5 Key Matchups For Sunderland vs. West Bromwich Albion

West Brom manager Tony Pulis
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Two teams striving to elevate themselves away from the relegation zone will go head-to-head in Week 26 of the Premier League with Sunderland playing hosts to West Bromwich Albion. The game will naturally be a closely contested one between two teams in similar positions in the standings, and any individual on the day could prove to be the difference between the two sides. Here are five key matchups to watch in this relegation clash.

5. Stephane Sessegnon vs. Anthony Reveillere

Stephane Sessegnon playing for West Brom
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5. Stephane Sessegnon vs. Anthony Reveillere

Stephane Sessegnon playing for West Brom
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In what is a fundamentally hardworking team, Stephane Sessegnon has the ability to provide that little bit of magic in the attacking third of the field for West Brom. Sessegnon has two in-form strikers ahead of him to create for and if the Benin international has a good day, then so too, in all likelihood, will West Brom. Anthony Reveillere will need to do all he can to stop that from happening if the Black Cats are going to win the game.

4. Darren Fletcher vs. Sebastian Larsson

West Brom captain Darren Fletcher
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4. Darren Fletcher vs. Sebastian Larsson

West Brom captain Darren Fletcher
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Darren Fletcher was signed by West Brom for more than just his ability on the pitch. The Scottish midfielder brings true leadership to the team and the locker room and his influence will be felt beyond just the confines of the field. Sebastian Larsson will be looking to test the 31-year-old legs of Fletcher, and the Swede has the quality to decide the game if he is given too much space in the West Brom half of the field.

3. Jermain Defoe vs. Joleon Lescott

Jermain Defoe playing for Sunderland
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3. Jermain Defoe vs. Joleon Lescott

Jermain Defoe playing for Sunderland
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A battle between Jermain Defoe and Joleon Lescott will see two former teammates from the England national team going head-to-head. The compact defensive style of new Baggies boss Pulis suits Lescott more now, but the zippy and persistent play of Defoe certainly won't. Defoe is an injury doubt for the game, but should be ready after missing the Black Cats' last game in the FA Cup.

2. Saido Berahino vs. Santiago Vergini

West Brom striker Saido Berahino
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2. Saido Berahino vs. Santiago Vergini

West Brom striker Saido Berahino
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Getting the best out of Saido Berahino has been a priority of Pulis since he arrived at the club and he has done that so far. Berahino has the talent to cause trouble for any defenders in the EPL, but the striker just needs to keep his focus on what he can do on the field, and not what he could be doing off of it. Santiago Vergini will likely have a tough day but, depending which Berahino shows up, it may just turn out better than he anticipates.

1. John O'Shea vs. Brown Ideye

Sunderland defender John O'Shea
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1. John O'Shea vs. Brown Ideye

Sunderland defender John O'Shea
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Two goals in his last two EPL games or four goals in his last three games in all competitions. Whichever way you look at it, Brown Ideye has come to life in recent weeks for West Brom. John O'Shea is an experienced veteran defender and he will need to draw on that experience to deal with both Ideye and his partner Berahino, if he is to captain his team to a priceless win over a relegation rival.

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