Sunderland host Preston North End in their opening match of 2024 this afternoon.
Sunderland welcome top six rivals Preston North End to the Stadium of Light this afternoon, in what should be an exciting clash on the opening day of 2024.
The Black Cats currently sit in 7th place of the table having won one, drawn one, and lost one under new boss Michael Beale so far.
Preston meanwhile sit in 11th; they’ve lost three of their last four now, losing 1-0 at home to Sheffield Wednesday in their last outing whilst Sunderland drew with Rotherham United.
Sunderland team news ahead of Preston
As ever, Sunderland have a few persistent injuries to deal with, with several players potentially missing today.
As per Sunderland Echo, the likes of Dennis Cirkin (hamstring), Patrick Roberts, Bradley Dack (hamstring), Luis Hemir (illness), and Jay Matete (knee) are all doubts for today’s game.
Meanwhile, Niall Huggins (knee), Corry Evans (knee), and Elliot Embleton (thigh) are all out for this one.
How will Michael Beale line up against Preston?
The draw vs Rotherham left a lot to be desired following that much-needed win away at Hull City in the previous game.
Injuries though means that Beale’s options to rotate are limited and so we could see a fairly unchanged line up this afternoon.
Adil Aouchiche failed to really impress in an unfamiliar attacking role against Rotherham and so here we could see Beale make a change, though what change remains to be seen.
The new Sunderland boss may be forced to play one of his unimpressive strikers; Nazariy Rusyn looks more likely to start over Mason Burstow, who were both on the bench last time out, given the fact that Rusyn is a permanent player.
Other than that, we may see an unchanged line up for this top six clash on Wearside today…
Patterson (GK)
Hume
Ballard
O’Nien
Seelt
Neil
Ekwah
Clarke
Bellingham
Roberts
Rusyn