West Bromwich Albion midfielder Chris Brunt has admitted that his side are expecting a tough challenge in their Premier League clash against Sunderland.
The Black Cats come into the match with a new manager at the helm as Sam Allardyce replaced Dick Advocaat following the Dutchman's resignation.
Brunt believes that his side have to take the initiative in the match to earn their first home win of the season.
He told the club's official website: "You can never really tell how a team is going to react when a new manager comes in. They are in the same boat as we are in terms of needing to get points on the board and win the game.
"We know that it is going to be very difficult, Sam Allardyce, just like our gaffer, is a very experienced Premier League manager.
"I'm sure they will both know plenty about each other and how they will want to try and play. As the home team we will try and take the game to them and hopefully get three points on the board, we want to get that first win at The Hawthorns."
The Baggies face Sunderland at The Hawthorns on Saturday.