Sunderland are looking to bounce back from consecutive defeats against Leicester City tonight.
The Black Cats are set to take on their biggest challenge yet as they travel to Leicester City, with the Foxes winning eleven of their opening twelve matches upon their return to the Championship.
The visitors have dropped down to sixth in the league table after a couple of poor results, however a surprise win at the King Power Stadium could potentially see them leapfrog back into third place.
Tony Mowbray decided to drop Mason Burstow against Stoke and play without a striker, though he may be rethinking his plans after a disappointing performance in the Midlands.
Here is the starting line-up we predict Tony Mowbray to field against Leicester…
Anthony Patterson has been an ever-present figure since Mowbray’s arrival last summer, and I see no reason why he won’t continue in between the sticks tonight.
The goalkeeper has been solid so far, though definitely needs to work on his distribution.
Trai Hume and Niall Huggins will continue either side of the defence, with the pair both enjoying an impressive start to the campaign.
Luke O’Nien remains in the centre, while we have tipped Dan Ballard to still keep his place in the team, despite Mowbray confirming he would undergo another late fitness test.
The former Arsenal man will be extremely important if Sunderland are to keep Leicester out tonight, so it would be surprising if Nectarios Triantis or Jenson Seelt were to take his place if there was a chance of Ballard being able to play on.
Dan Neil will slot straight back into the midfield as he returns from suspension – a huge relief for fans, with the team clearly missing him against the Potters.
Pierre Ekwah will retain his place after returning from injury at the weekend, while Jobe Bellingham will take on that role just in front of the midfield pair.
Will Mason Burstow return for Sunderland vs Leicester tonight?
Jack Clarke is easily the first name on the team-sheet at the moment and he takes his spot on the left, as he looks to match last season’s goal tally already.
Patrick Roberts will start on the right as he looks to score his first goal of the campaign, while Abdoullah Ba could drop out for Mason Burstow.
The Black Cats really struggled without a striker against Stoke, so it would be surprising if the Chelsea loanee isn’t brought back into the picture.
Sunderland’s predicted XI: Patterson; Hume, Ballard, O’Nien, Huggins; Ekwah, Neil, Jobe; Clarke, Roberts, Burstow