Good afternoon! Thank you very much for joining Sports Mole for what is a very important match for both teams as they look to haul themselves out of the relegation zone in the very early stages of the season. It is winless West Brom vs. winless Sunderland at The Hawthorns!

We'll start, as ever, by looking at our hosts this afternoon, and what a contrast this season has been to last for West Brom so far. They began the 2012-13 campaign with five wins from their opening seven games but, four matches into this season, they are still looking for their first victory.

But for Gareth McAuley's last-gasp equaliser against Fulham last week, they would also still be looking for their first goal of the season. The loss of Romelo Lukaku has clearly hit the Baggies' goalscoring abilities hard, with their only goal coming from a defender so far. They recruited fairly well during the transfer window, but Anelka has yet to find his shooting boots and Anichebe has never been the most clinical of strikers.

However, the Baggies do have an ace up their sleeve this afternoon. Record signing Stephane Sessegnon will make his debut against the team that let him go this summer having finally sorted out his work permit. Sunderland boss Paolo Di Canio deemed him surplus to requirements at the Stadium of Light, so Sessegnon will have a point to prove today.

His debut will not come a moment too soon for the Baggies, whose solitary win so far this season came in the League Cup when they beat Newport 3-0. They began their Premier League campaign with a disappointing 1-0 defeat to Southampton before playing out a respectable goalless draw with Everton. Their goal drought continued when they returned to action after that League Cup match, losing 2-0 to Swansea at The Hawthorns.

That form puts them way down in 19th place in these early stages of the season, some difference from 12 months ago when they were mixing it with the big boys at the top of the table. Their two points from four games leaves them a point behind Crystal Palace in 18th place, although a win today would see them move out of the relegation zone.

To do that, though, they will have to record a first victory in eight Premier League matches, stretching back to last season. Their last victory came all the way back in April when they beat Southampton 3-0, and since then they have picked up just three points out of a possible 24.

Their home form also leaves a lot to be desired. They have not won any of their last six matches at the Hawthorns, picking up a meagre two points in that time. The last times their own fans watched them win here was way back at the start of March when they edged past Swansea 2-1.

So their poor form stretches back into last season, but Clarke will be more worried about the results in the last couple of weeks. Their two points from four games so far makes this their worst start to a top-flight season since 1985.

West Brom's start has undoubtedly been poor, but they can take solace in the fact that they aren't the worst in the league. That dubious honour goes to their opponents today - Sunderland. Manager Paolo Di Canio has struggled at the start of this season having made a plethora of changes during the transfer window. No club was busier than the Black Cats in the summer, and such a drastic overhaul of the squad has not helped the team so far.

Di Canio was brought in at the end of last season with the sole aim of keeping Sunderland in the top flight. He promised that he would do it and, to his credit, he pulled it off. However, even at the start of his reign, with two wins in three matches, there were questions over whether he was the right man for the club's long-term future, and those questions have persisted and become more relevant as time has progressed.

Their results this season have done nothing to silence the doubters. Their last outing saw them beaten 3-1 by Arsenal, with Di Canio sent to the stands by the referee. There were controversial moments in the match which understandably drew the ire of the passionate Italian, but he is no good to his side sitting in the stands and is certainly not giving a good example to his players on the field.

The Black Cats began the season with a 1-0 defeat at the hands of Fulham before picking up their one and only league point in the current campaign courtesy of a 1-1 draw with Southampton. They managed their first, and so far only, win of the season by beating MK Dons 4-2 in the League Cup, but failed to back that up when they were beaten 3-1 by Crystal Palace, giving the Eagles their only points of the season so far.

Those results leave them rock bottom of the Premier League table going into this match, with just one point from their opening four games. Sunderland also failed to win any of their opening four matches last season, but they did manage to pick up a point in all of them. They also managed to win a match after that, giving them an unbeaten start to the season after five matches - again, a stark contrast to the current campaign.

Like the Baggies, Sunderland's winless streak stretches back to eight games, with their last victory coming on April 20. That was a 1-0 win over Everton, but such results have become increasingly rare for Di Canio. Those two wins in his opening three games are Sunderland's only two wins since January.

Their main problem has been conceding goals. Di Canio's side have not kept a clean sheet since that win over Everton, and have conceded more second-half goals this season (six) than any other team. They need to keep their concentration for the full 90 minutes.

Their form in general has been bad, but their away record is particularly poor. They have only won one of their last nine Premier League away games, drawing one and losing seven of the remaining eight. That win was a memorable 3-0 win over fierce rivals Newcastle, but their overall form on their travels has been nothing short of woeful.

TEAM NEWS: Right, it is about time I brought you some team news. As I alluded to earlier, Sessegnon does make his debut for the Baggies against his former club today, partnering Anelka up front as Anichebe drops to the bench. Sunderland, meanwhile, welcome Giaccherini and O'Shea back into the side after injury and suspension respectively ruled them out of the Arsenal game. There is also a place for Cattermole on the bench as the midfielder is welcomed back in from the wilderness. Full team news coming right up.

WEST BROM STARTING XI: Myhill; Jones, McAuley, Olsson, Ridgewell; Amalfitano, Mulumbu, Morrison; Sinclair, Sessegnon, Anelka

WEST BROM SUBS: Camp, Rosenberg, Lugano, Popov, Yacob, Berahino, Anichebe

SUNDERLAND STARTING XI: Westwood; Celustka, Colback, Diakite, O’Shea; Ki, Gardner, Johnson, Giaccherini; Fletcher, Borini

SUNDERLAND SUBS: Mannone, Altidore, Ba, Cuellar, Dong-won, Cattermole, Mavrias

So, what can we make of those two sides? Well, starting with West Brom, I think it is a wise decision to start with Anelka and Sessegnon. Sessegnon has bags of quality and, to be honest, it is a surprise that Sunderland let him go. He will have a point to prove tonight, and Steve Clarke would be wise to just let him go out and play off adrenaline. In Anelka, Sessegnon has a strike partner who has seen it all. He has certainly seen the ball hit the back of the Sunderland net a few times, having scored seven goals in 10 matches against the Black Cats.

It will also be interesting to see how Scott Sinclair fares today. He has shown plenty of promise whenever he has been given a chance to play regular football, and he should be given that chance at the Hawthorns. He has the ability to unlock opposition defences and, with him and Sessegnon able to chop and change positions behind the more orthodox number nine of Anelka, West Brom's attack looks fluid and exciting.

As for Sunderland, while Anelka has a good scoring record against them, Steven Fletcher can boast an impressive one against the Baggies. He has netted three goals in four games against West Brom, and will be hopeful of adding to that tally this afternoon. Alongside him is Fabio Borini, who is still trying to prove himself in English football after an injury-hit debut season with Liverpool.

The likes of Giaccherini, Johnson and Gardner are more than capable of popping up with a goal here and there, so Sunderland shouldn't be lacking firepower or creativity today. They will also be given a boost from the return of captain John O'Shea, who missed the Arsenal game having been sent off against Palace.

On the bench of West Brom, the main man who could come on and change things is Anichebe. As I mentioned earlier, he is not the most prolific striker by any stretch of the imagination, but he is very strong and can hold the ball up very well for the likes of Sessegnon or Sinclair to run off him. Berahino is also showing lots of potential and has begun making regular appearances for the England Under-21 side recently. As for Sunderland, they have Altidore on the bench, and he is a nuisance for any defence to deal with. Cattermole could also make a first appearance of the season, and he will doubtless bring passion and desire to the Sunderland midfield.

PREDICTION: Right, we're 10 minutes from kickoff at the Hawthorns so it is about time I made a prediction for the upcoming match. Both sides will be desperate to record their first win of the season today, but they will also be wary of losing. The Baggies will go into this match expecting a win, while Sunderland will go into it thinking that they can win. Overall, I think it will be a close one between two teams lacking in confidence, but I think West Brom will emerge victorious. I'll go for a 2-1 home win.

The Baggies certainly have a good recent record against Sunderland. They have not lost against the Black Cats in the last seven meetings between the two sides, winning six of them. That includes doing the double over them last season, with the reverse fixture ending 4-2 to West Brom and the corresponding fixture resulting in a 2-1 win for the Baggies.

None of the goalscorers from that latest meeting between the two sides are still with that same team, although one will be playing today. Lukaku scored both of West Brom's goals, while Sessegnon netted for Sunderland. Overall, these two teams have met 110 times, with West Brom just edging the win count with 41 to Sunderland's 40.

Sunderland's record at the Hawthorns is poor. They last beat the Baggies at the Hawthorns back in 2007, while their last win here in the top flight came a year earlier. That 1-0 win, courtesy of an Anthony le Tallec strike, was Sunderland's only top flight win here in 31 years.

It is not exactly a bulging fixture list today, but you can follow any of the other three Premier League games kicking off at 3pm here. I will also keep you up to date with goals and major events from around the country as and when they happen.

KICKOFF: Here we go then! It is far too early to call this match a six-pointer, but it is certainly a game of increased importance as both sides look for their first win of the season. It is Sunderland who get us underway.

Shaky start from Myhill as an early pass back to him results in a sliced clearance out for a throw-in. He looked very unconvincing in possession there.

Incidentally, Di Canio is allowed in the Sunderland dugout today as he accepted his £8,000 fine during the week. It was a wise move from the Sunderland boss, who was never likely to win an appeal against the initial punishment for his dismissal last week.

The Baggies have made a fairly bright start to this match as they win a couple of corners early on. Both are well defended by Sunderland, but this decent start has lifted the home fans.

My word, Myhill looked dodgy earlier but that is nothing compared to this from Westwood! He comes out of his area to chest the ball down with Anelka is dangerously close attendance. The keeper then turned back with the ball at his feet and took it back into his area before diving on it. That was a risky move from the Sunderland keeper, and it very nearly let Anelka in.

Better from Sunderland as they get themselves on the ball for a prolonged period for the first time today. A decent passing move around the midfield ends when Johnson hoists a rather hopeful ball into the box for Borini to challenge, but it is always Myhill's to come and claim.

The match is yet to really get going at the Hawthorns. The only real moments of excitement in the opening 10 minutes have come from dodgy play by either goalkeeper. There is a notable lack of confidence from both sides.

UPDATE: The first goal from the 3pm kickoffs has gone the way of Newcastle, who have taken the lead against Hull courtesy of a Loic Remy strike.

Very good position for Sunderland here as McAuley brings his man down around 25 yards from goal. The free kick is fairly central, but it is a nice distance from goal and Sunderland have some players capable of getting this up over the wall and back down in time...

...but Giaccherini is evidently not one of them at this time. His effort hits the top of the wall which, to be fair to them, did their job well, jumping to block the shot.

West Brom have a number of chances to clear the ball but they almost seem reluctant to do so. There is a hint of panic about the Baggies defence, who eventually hack the ball out for a throw-in. Sunderland are just sensing that the hosts are on edge here.

Still nothing to report in terms of chances for either side in what has been a rather uneventful match so far. West Brom have calmed down from that frantic little moment a couple of minutes ago.

Who else? Sessegnon opens his West Brom account on his debut against his former club. Amalfitano's cross caused all sorts of problems in the box as it bounced off a defender's legs to draw a reaction save from Westwood. The Sunderland keeper can do nothing more than to push it back out into the area, where Sessegnon is waiting to slot the ball home. That is West Brom's first home goal of the season.

Credit to Sessegnon after that goal, he didn't celebrate or rub Sunderland's noses in it. The temptation must have been there after being deemed surplus to requirements by Di Canio, but his refusal to even crack a smile shows a great deal of respect to his former club. The home fans' celebrations aren't so muted, however, as they go wild in the stands.

The ball almost breaks for Sessegnon again as he hangs back on the edge of the area. He gets a good low strike away, but his shot is well blocked and the danger is cleared.

It's amazing what a goal can do. West Brom look much more confident since taking the lead, and they are stroking the ball around nicely now as they look to open the defence up again. They are in control of this one at the moment.

CHANCE! Sunderland's biggest chance of the match falls the way of Adam Johnson, but his effort takes a slight deflection on its way wide. A low cross found its way to Johnson at the back post, who had a little bit of space initially but it was closed down very quickly. That was a vital interception from Ridgewell.

YELLOW CARD! Jack Colback is the first name in the referee's book for a cynical foul on Sessegnon as West Brom looked to break. It was a fine kick from Myhill to find his teammate.

CHANCE! Amalfitano has seen plenty of the ball so far, but this is the first time that he has cut inside and it almost provides the second goal. His vicious left-footed strike was deflected over the bar from Diakite, and what an important block it is. From the resulting corner McAuley flicks an effort goalwards but it is scrambled clear.

UPDATE: There has been another goal at St James' Park, and this one has gone the way of the visitors. Hull make it 1-1 through Robbie Brady.

UPDATE: News of another goal to bring you, this time from Upton Park. West Ham have taken the lead against Everton and it is Ravel Morrison who got the goal.

Back at the Hawthorns, West Brom are beginning to knock on the Sunderland door here. They are bringing Sessegnon and Anelka into the game more and more, and the front duo are beginning to link up well.

Borini rushes through into the area and goes down having taken the ball past Myhill. The West Brom keeper pulled out of the challenge just in time and Borini, to his credit, does not claim for a penalty.

YELLOW CARD! Sunderland get their second yellow card of the game, and this one has angered Di Canio. Sessegnon rolls Ki, who brings him down when he realises that he is beaten. The referee is right to produce a card, but Di Canio clearly doesn't think so!

West Brom have aimed their attacks down the right wing so far today, with Sinclair looking increasingly lonely out on the opposite flank. Clarke appears to have identified Colback as a potential weakness in the Sunderland defence.

Again the Baggies make their way down the right with a lovely move that sees Anelka exchange a one-two with Mulumbu. The veteran striker's low cross is towards the near post, but Sinclair has gone to the back and Sunderland can clear it behind for a corner.

Sunderland have lost their way since West Brom's goal. They started the match well but have not been able to create anything for a while now. Their only real chance fell to Adam Johnson, but that was thwarted by a good Ridgewell block.

Mulumbu has been very impressive in midfield so far today. He has broken up lots of attacks with tackles and interceptions and also provided some telling passing in the attacking third.

UPDATE: Newcastle have regained the lead against Hull, and it is Loic Remy who has doubled his personal tally for the match. That is 2-1 to the Magpies now.

There will be just the one minute of added time at the end of this half.

Well, that first half will have done nothing to reassure the travelling Sunderland fans after their gloomy start to the season. They find themselves behind at the break once again, and there has been very little for them to cheer so far. As things stand, they will have lost three games in a row and will remain bottom of the table.

It was Stephane Sessegnon who got the goal for the hosts, mopping up a rebounded shot to slot the ball past an unlucky Westwood who had made a decent initial save. The striker didn't celebrate against his former club, but the look on his face hinted that he was feeling an air of quiet satisfaction with the goal.

In fact, here is an image of that look on his face, taken moments after he scored the only goal of the match so far:

© Getty Images

Paolo di Canio may be bemoaning his decision to let Sessegnon go now as his team have offered very little in the final third. The visitors started the match fairly well but have really struggled to create anything of note in terms of chances, especially since going behind. Their best chance of the match so far has fallen to Adam Johnson, who fired a low shot just wide with the help of a deflection.

It should also be noted that West Brom haven't exactly been creating chances at will in this match, but their general level of play looks more threatening than that of Sunderland. Westwood has certainly been the busier keeper, and as the half wore on Anelka and Sessegnon looked to be linking up with each other rather nicely indeed.

Baggies manager Steve Clarke will want more of the same from his team in the second half. They were on top more most of the opening 45 minutes and, if they can continue that level of control as well as giving themselves some breathing space with a second goal, then it could be a fairly comfortable afternoon for them.

As for Di Canio, I wouldn't be surprised if he was laying into his players in his own inimitable style. They don't seem to have enough urgency about them at the moment, and he will tell them in no uncertain terms that serious questions will be asked if they lose this game.

KICKOFF: West Brom get us back underway in this second half, and there has been a change at the break from Sunderland. Giaccherini is replaced by Mavrias is a tactical change. No injury for the Italian.

This is a worry for West Brom as Mulumbu looks in pain following a challenge from Gardner. The referee played advantage before stopping the game so the midfielder can receive treatment, and it looks as though he will be alright to continue.

UPDATE: Hull have equalised at St James' Park with his second goal of the game. Both he and Remy have netted braces now in that match, which is currently 2-2.

Free kick in a very good position for Sunderland as Mavrias skips past a couple of challenges before being fouled by Amalfitano. It is over to the left of the pitch and will be swung in towards the far post hoping for a touch on the way through.

Indeed, Gardner does whip a good delivery towards the far post, but it is well defended by the hosts and the danger is eventually cleared.

This has been a good start to the half from Sunderland, who are looking more threatening now than they did at any stage of the first half. Mavrias has made a difference since coming on.

UPDATE: There is a shock brewing at Anfield as Southampton have taken the lead against unbeaten Liverpool. Dejan Lovren got the goal, and the Reds will need to pull a goal back now if they want to avoid their first defeat of the season.

Di Canio looks like he is going to try to take advantage of this better start to the half as Altidore is getting ready to come on now. He will give the Baggies' defence something different to deal with, that is for sure.

SUNDERLAND SUB: Indeed, there is the change as Altidore replaces Borini, who hasn't been able to make an impact on this match.

CHANCE! Really good chance for Sessegnon to double his personal tally and his side's lead. Sessegnon rolls Diakite too easily inside the box from a throw in, but his half volley flies over the bar when he should have done better.

Gardner can certainly hit them from range, but this one won't go in his scrapbook. He slices an effort from 25 yards that ends up high and wide of the West Brom goal.

UPDATE: Everton have equalised against West Ham at Upton Park through Leighton Baines. It is now 1-1 there thanks to the England left-back.

CHANCE! Massive chance for the visitors to level, but again it is a vital block from the West Brom defence. The ball was worked across to Altidore inside the box, but he couldn't get his shot away in time despite seemingly having quite a bit of space. He took a touch but the ball took a while to sit up right and his eventual shot was deflected wide. The American wants a penalty for a handball, but he was the only one appealing for it.

CHANCE! At the other end, it should be 2-0 to the hosts! It is a lovely delivery that finds Anelka unmarked at the back post, but he barely gets anything on his header and it deflects out for a corner. He really should have done better there.

CHANCE! At the other end, it should be 2-0 to the hosts! It is a lovely delivery that finds Anelka unmarked at the back post, but he barely gets anything on his header and it deflects out for a corner. He really should have done better there.

WEST BROM SUBS: Steve Clarke makes his first changes of the day, and does so with a double substitution. Anelka makes way having just missed that good chance, being replaced by Victor Anichebe who makes his home debut for the Baggies. Yacob also comes on for Sinclair.

SUNDERLAND SUB: Sunderland respond with a chance of their own as Cattermole comes on for his first appearance of the season. He is still very popular here, but it looked as if he was on his way out at one point this summer. Craig Gardner makes way.

CHANCE! Oh, that is a big chance for Sunderland to level, and you'd have backed Fletcher to take it. It is a good ball into the box that Altidore misses at the near post. Fletcher's late run is not tracked and he cushions a volley over the bar from eight yards out. He should have done better there.

10 MEN! When it's not going for you, it really isn't going for you. Fletcher picked up an injury during that chance as he tumbled over a challenge from Jones, and he will not be able to continue here. Moments after bringing their third change on, they are reduced to 10 men!

That could be game over for West Brom, who take immediate advantage of their extra man. Full credit to Amalfitano, who squeezes a cross in. It eludes everyone in the box and finds Ridgewell racing in at the far post, and the defender steers his volley in at the near post with the help of a slight deflection. That wasn't too dissimilar to the chance that Fletcher just missed.

Well, what a nightmare spell that was for Sunderland. Less than 10 minutes separated them bringing on their third sub, missing a good chance, losing their best striker to injury that reduced them to 10 men and going behind. Lady luck has deserted Paolo di Canio.

UPDATE: Sone Aluko has given Hull a 3-2 lead against Newcastle at St James' Park - what a result that would be for the newly-promoted side. West Ham have also regained the lead against Everton through a Mark noble penalty, but he has since been sent off for the hosts.

UPDATE: Newcastle weren't ahead for long! Everton have just levelled the sides once again, and it is Baines who has scored his second free kick of the match.

More worries for Sunderland as Ki receives lengthy treatment on the field. He limps to the sidelines before Di Canio tells him in no uncertain terms to get back on the field and play through the pain.

UPDATE: Plenty of late drama at Upton Park as Lukaku has given Everton a 3-2 lead against the Hammers with less than five minutes to play.

Nice play from Sessegnon as he twists and turns on the left flank before drifting a ball into the middle that O'Shea defends well. Sessegnon has had a very good debut today.

Great desire from the West Brom players to win the ball back inside the Sunderland half despite their two-goal lead. It is that sort of desire that has been lacking from Sunderland today.

WEST BROM SUB: Stephane Sessegnon gets a standing ovation from both sets of supporters as he leaves the field to be replaced by the promising youngster Saido Berahino. Those Sunderland fans still like him despite his departure from the club this summer.

There will be five minutes of added time at the end of this match. Most of that will have come from the shoulder injury to Steven Fletcher.

That is the icing on the cake for West Brom, and for a fine personal performance from Amalfitano. Anichebe holds the ball up well before laying it off to the right winger, who hammers a low shot across the keeper and into the far corner. Fine finish.

Things just go from bad to worse for Sunderland as they fall to a miserable 3-0 defeat at the hands of West Brom. That is now three defeats in a row for the Black Cats with nine goals conceded in that time. They remain rock bottom of the table with just one point, and the pressure is beginning to pile up on manager Paolo di Canio. He can have no complaints at the result as his side were deservedly beaten, but he was unlucky to go down to 10 men following an injury to Steven Fletcher moments after the Black Cats had made their third and final change.

As for West Brom - this is what it feels like to win again! They pick up their first win of the season and it was worth the wait for Steve Clarke's side. It wasn't a world-beating performance but it was certainly an improvement on what has come before, and they deserved their victory. Sessegnon, Ridgewell and Amalfitano were the players who got the goals, but it was a good team performance all round from the Baggies, who move out of the relegation zone.

Right, that's all we have time for this afternoon! Thank you very much for joining Sports Mole for today's match as Sunderland's winless woes continue, while West Brom pick up their first victory of the season. I will leave you with our match report, and he sure to stick around for reaction (it will be interesting to hear what Di Canio says) and analysis, which should be up in around half an hour. We have more live commentary for you in the shape of Chelsea vs. Fulham, but from me, it is goodbye!