Past meets present at the Stadium of Light on Tuesday night as Regis Le Bris’ Sunderland welcome Carlos Corberan’s West Brom to Wearside.
Sunderland’s current number nine – they say ‘never fall in love with a loanee’, but that is easier said than done with Wilson Isidor quickly becoming a fan favourite – is ready to face one of his many Black Cats predecessors.
While Sunderland’s romance with Isidor was love at first sight, some who felt jilted by Josh Maja’s dramatic exit over six years ago still have grudges.
Maja graduated from the Academy of Light and scored 16 goals in 30 appearances during the first half of the 2018/19 season. However, after turning down many contract extensions, Maja walked away for £3.5 million in the midst of a promotion push.
Sunderland’s challenge, without their talismanic centre-forward, would ultimately fail.
So, as Maja prepares to return to the Stadium of Light, it’s reasonable to expect a few boos among the polite applause from the more forgiving Sunderland fans.
Regis Le Bris highlights Josh Maja quality ahead of Sunderland vs West Brom
When asked about Maja during his Monday press conference, Manager Regis Le Bris chose to focus on the Nigeria international’s quality rather than the controversy. Only Norwich City’s Borja Sainz has more goals in the Championship this season, with ten in 16 starts.
“He did well before here and he probably will play well against us,” Le Bris says with a giggle. “He is a good striker. Very smart. He is a good finisher and will undoubtedly pose a challenge to us.
“But we are pleased and looking forward to playing at home. It reminds us of our own home. We enjoy playing at home. It’s tough again, but we’re excited to face good opponents.
“A smart team, good opponents, and it’s a good challenge for us.”
Maja’s latest goal, which came during West Bromwich Albion’s thrilling 2-2 draw with Norwich City over the weekend as Sunderland were held by Millwall, brings him up to three goals in his last four games.
However, while Maja is currently the first name on the team sheet, Carlos Corberan’s Baggies will be without another forward option in the North East.
West Brom without key man ahead of Stadium of Light clash
Corberan revealed in his own pre-match press conference that Grady Diangana will be missing for the midweek encounter between two top-six contenders.
“In recent weeks, Grady has experienced some minor issues. “Not an injury, but minor issues,” the former Leeds United assistant explains. “He had previously suffered with ankle, Achilles, and calf issues.
“During training on Friday, his leg felt tight. Given the next time, we will not take any chances, especially with a player who was unable to train yesterday. The calf’s ailment now requires a scan.”
Sunderland remains second in the table despite drawing their last four games. West Brom can close the gap on their hosts to three points, but they must first halt the Black Cats’ nine-game unbeaten streak.
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