Sunderland welcome 21st place Hull City to the Stadium of Light on Saturday afternoon. A win for Regis Le Bris’ side would be just what the doctor ordered.
Sunderland suffered their first defeat in eight league games last time out, losing 2-1 against Leeds United at Elland Road.
Most expected that result, but it’s proved a bitter pill to swallow given the fact that Sunderland were in front in the game up until the 78th minute.
Sunderland fans voiced their concerns about Regis Le Bris following the game with his second half substitutions once again failing to make an impact.
But Le Bris has defended his substitutions following the game. Now, there’s uncertainty over how he’ll line up on Saturday afternoon and indeed who he keeps in the matchday squad entirely.
Sunderland team and injury news latest vs Hull City
The long-term absentees for Sunderland are Aji Alese and Niall Huggins who wont be featuring this season. Meanwhile, Jenson Seelt and Ahmed Abdullahi remain on the comeback trail, seemingly edging towards being available for first-team selection.
For Le Bris, the big news ahead of Hull City is that Romaine Mundle looks set to feature. Le Bris gave an injury update on Mundle after the winger was an unused substitute against Leeds United on Monday.
The Black Cats boss said: “It’s not just playing minutes, it was a tough game and strong environment in and out of possession. He wasn’t ready for that, but with one more week now he should be okay.”
Tommy Watson though will not be in the squad as his return date is pushed back slightly. Jayden Danns also remains sidelined with no indication as to when he might be available.
Sunderland predicted lineup vs Hull City
Sunderland played well against Leeds. But there’s certainly some weak spots opening up in the side, perhaps most notably in attack.
Sunderland fans think Chris Rigg needs a rest having featured 29 times in the Championship already this season. Meanwhile, Patrick Roberts continues to face criticism amid his indifferent form of late.
But with a lack of right-sided midfielders in the side, at least one of Rigg or Roberts is bound to feature against Hull, no matter the shape, and it could be that the experienced Roberts keeps his spot on the right of a 4-4-2 formation, with Eliezer Mayenda returning to the XI.
Salis Abdul Samed may be left at home entirely given his poor start with the club. That could open up a spot on the bench for one of Le Bris’ youngsters, possibly Harrison Jones.
Here’s how we think Sunderland will line up against Hull City on Saturday…
Patterson (GK)
Cirkin
O’Nien
Ballard
Hume
Le Fee
Bellingham
Neil
Roberts
Isidor
Mayenda