Past meets present at the Stadium of Light on Tuesday night as Regis Le Bris’ Sunderland welcomes 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 earning fans’ favourite status right away—is set to go head-to-head with one of his many Black Cats predecessors.
And while it was love at first sight as far as Sunderland’s relationship with Isidor is concerned, there remains a sliver of ice in the hearts of those who felt jilted by Josh Maja’s controversial departure nearly six years ago.
Maja graduated from the Academy of Light before plundering 16 goals in 30 games during the first half of that 2018/19 season. But, after turning down numerous offers to extend his contract, Maja walked away for just £3.5 million in the midst of a promotion challenge.
A challenge Sunderland, shorn of the services of their talismanic centre-forward, would end up failing.
So as Maja prepares to make his return to the Stadium of Light, it’s fair to say there may be a few boos amongst the polite applause from the more forgiving members of the Sunderland fanbase.
Regis Le Bris highlights Josh Maja quality ahead of Sunderland vs West Brom
Manager Regis Le Bris, asked about Maja during his Monday press conference, opted to focus on the Nigerian international’s quality rather than the controversy. With ten goals from 16 Championship starts, only Norwich City ace Borja Sainz has scored more in the second tier so far this term.
“He did well before here, and he probably will play well against us,” Le Bris smiles. “He’s a good striker. Very smart. A good finisher, and he will be a threat against us for sure.
“But we are happy and looking forward to playing at home. It’s like our house. We really enjoy playing at home. It’s tough again, but we are excited to play against strong opponents.
“A smart team, good opponents, and it’s a good challenge for us.”
Maja’s latest strike—coming during West Bromwich Albion’s thrilling 2-2 draw with Norwich City over the weekend as Southampton were held by Millwall—means he has found the net in three of his last four appearances.
But while Maja is pretty much the first name on the team sheet these days, Carlos Corberan’s Baggies side will be without another of their forward options in the North East.
West Brom without key man ahead of Stadium of Light clash
Corberan confirmed in his own pre-match presser that Grady Diangana will be unavailable for this midweek clash between two top six hopefuls.
“In the last weeks, Grady had some problems with small things. Not an injury, but small things,” the former Leeds United assistant says. “He suffered a little bit with the ankle previously, and with the Achilles, and now with the calf.
“In training on Friday, his calf was feeling tight. Knowing the period we are going iinto,we are not going to take any risks, especially with a player that could not train yesterday. The problem with the calf now needs a scan.”
Sunderland remain second in the table despite drawing each of their last four games. West Brom can move to within three points of their hosts, however, if they are to end the Black Cats’ nnine-matchunbeaten run.
Sunderland have struggled with injuries and suspensions of late. Though Le Bris was delighted to see Eliezer Mayenda and Aaron Connolly showcase their versatility in new roles against Millwall.
