Team News: West Bromwich Albion record signing Brown Ideye on bench

West Bromwich Albion record signing Brown Ideye is in the matchday team for their opening Premier League clash at home to Sunderland, but has to make do with a place on the bench at The Hawthorns this afternoon.

Meanwhile Joleon Lescott, also recently purchased by the Midlands club this summer, is still recovering from a knee problem and misses out, along with James Morrison and Gareth McAuley.

Albion boss Alan Irvine hands debuts to Sebastien Pocognoli, Andre Wisdom and Craig Gardner.

For Sunderland, winger Emanuele Giaccherini will sit out today's match with a groin injury, while Billy Jones, sidelined by a hamstring injury, is replaced at right-back by Valentin Roberge.

Gus Poyet is to give Patrick van Aanholt and Jack Rodwell their first starts in Sunderland colours.

Follow all the action from this game with Sports Mole's live match commentary.

West Bromwich Albion: Foster; Wisdom, Dawson, Olsson, Pocognoli; Mulumbu, Gardner, Dorrans; Berahino, Brunt, Anichebe Subs: Myhill, Ideye, Davidson, O'Neil, Sessegnon, Yacob, Baird

Sunderland: Mannone; Roberge, Van Aanholt, Brown, O'Shea; Cattermole, Larsson, Rodwell, Johnson; Wickham, Fletcher Subs: Pantilimon, Bridcutt, Gomez, Altidore, Mavrias, Graham, Buckley