Sunderland will look to get back to winning ways as they host Stoke City this weekend.
Sunderland will return to the Stadium of Light for the fourth time this year already, having won only once.
Fans made their feelings towards Michael Beale very clear as the Black Cats were beaten on home soil by Hull City last time out, and it is expected that the toxic atmosphere will continue this weekend.
Sunderland don’t have Alex Neil to compete with this time round, but they will be desperate to pick up a much-needed victory after conceding five to the Potters in their last meeting on Wearside.
With the Championship club yet to make a signing in the January window, Beale’s options for his starting line-up are rather limited – but we expect him to make a couple of changes.
Here is our predicted XI…
Sunderland predicted XI vs Stoke City
Anthony Patterson resumes his position in between the sticks. Despite signing Nathan Bishop from Manchester United in the summer, the No.1 spot has gone relatively undisturbed so far.
Sunderland are yet to bring in a new left-back to fill the void of the three injured players, so Trai Hume will be forced to take up that spot.
Jenson Seelt previously filled in against Hull, but we expect him to return to the bench after a disappointing afternoon. Timothee Pembele could finally get his first start for the club as Beale looks to mix things up.
Luke O’Nien and Dan Ballard remain in central defence, with both continuing to keep their place in the team despite a tricky few months.
Pierre Ekwah and Dan Neil continue in midfield, with very few options on the bench to actually challenge the pair. Despite their difficulties in the middle of the park, Chris Rigg hasn’t played a single minute since Tony Mowbray was sacked.
Despite rumours linking him with a move away, Alex Pritchard keeps his place slightly further forward.
Abdoullah Ba will return to the wing to add a bit of pace, after looking much better during Sunderland’s defeat to Ipswich Town.
Jack Clarke starts on the left, while we expect Nazariy Rusyn to be dropped. The Ukrainian didn’t have many chances against Hull, but Beale seems to look for any reason to play without a striker, so it will come as no surprise if Jobe Bellingham starts up top.
The Birmingham City academy graduate is in desperate need of a rest, but Beale keeps persisting with him and I don’t see why it will be any different this weekend.