Sunderland will face Huddersfield Town on Wednesday in a game which Tony Mowbray needs to win, here’s our predicted XI.
Sunderland have struggled of late to find form and Saturday’s 2-0 defeat against Plymouth Argyle has left Tony Mowbray‘s side floundering in ninth, two points off the playoff positions.
Sunderland just cannot seem to build up any sustained run of form lately and have just two wins in their last seven with four losses and a draw.
Due to this, we expect some changes will be made before kick off at the Stadium of Light on Wednesday night.
So here is our predicted XI for the vital Championship clash between 21st and ninth.
Sunderland predicted XI v Huddersfield
Mowbray’s strongest line-up will undoubtedly include goalkeeper Anthony Patterson who despite a poor day against Plymouth is ever-present in the Black Cats side.
At right-back, Trai Hume should start given he has also been an ever-present figure in Mowbray’s side this season.
At left-back, the continual absence of Dennis Cirkin means Niall Huggins is a shoo-in to continue starting here.
In central defence there will be no surprises with the duo of Daniel Ballard and Luke O’Nien continuing together.
Moving into midfield, after a below standard display further forward Dan Neil will move back to his usual deeper position in place of the unimpressive Pierre Ekwah.
This makes the space for 21-year-old Adil Aouchiche to make his first start for the club after impressing in recent weeks. The debutant will have Jobe Bellingham next to him for support.
On the right, Abdoullah Ba should come in to replace Patrick Roberts in rotation.
The left, should see Jack Clarke continue with the hopes he will fall back into form soon.
Up front the less than great Nazariy Rusyn who has been praised despite his lack of goals should be replaced after being hooked at halftime on the weekend. In his place, Eliezer Mayenda should start to see if he can get the Sunderland strikers off the mark this season.
Sunderland predicted XI: Patterson; Hume, O’Nien, Ballard, Huggins; Neil, Aouchiche, Bellingham; Ba, Mayenda, Clarke.