STAT PACK: Can Baggies keep Black Cats under their spell?

Facts and figures on Wednesday's clash at the Stadium of Light (ko 7.45pm)

If it was not for the recent form of both the Baggies and Sunderland, tonight’s Stadium of Light encounter might well have been a six-pointer in the battle against the drop, but Pepe Mel’s men are safe - barring a vast and nigh-on impossible swing in goal difference.

There will still be motivation to go for the win and aim to finish as high up the table as possible.

Defeats at the Etihad and the Emirates were rendered insignificant given wins over Norwich and West Ham and draws with Spurs and Cardiff in recent weeks, and so Albion's form should generate confidence that another victory is obtainable in the upcoming clash.

What is more, the Baggies have won seven of their last eight matches against Sunderland, last failing to win when they drew in 2011. 

That means Albion have won each of their last four clashes with the Black Cats, and each of those wins have been rather comfortable, with the Baggies taking a lead in at half time and holding onto it until full time on each occasion. 

They have also netted at least twice in each of their last six encounters with Sunderland.

As this record stretches back so far, it is not restricted to home games. 

In fact, Albion have won two and drawn the other of their last three trips to the Stadium of Light, scoring a total of nine goals. 

All of this points towards another good day for the Baggies in midweek.

Among the changes Pepe Mel has made during his reign has been the inclusion on a more regular basis of Graham Dorrans in the starting XI. 

The versatile midfielder has played both wide and centrally under the Spaniard, and to great effect, scoring twice in Albion's recent run of form, against Cardiff and Manchester City. 

Diligent and hard-working but also skilled and threatening going forwards, Dorrans is a vital asset to Mel's team. 

Technically, he is brilliant, and he has developed a WhoScored.com strength of 'taking set pieces' as a result of his delivery into the box from corners and free-kicks, for the likes of Gareth McAuley and Jonas Olsson to benefit.

Without the ball he does his job brilliantly for the Baggies, able to tuck in from the wing or play a disciplined defensive midfield role, and he therefore has 'defensive contribution' as another of his WhoScored strengths.