Sunderland travel to Stoke City on Sunday, capping off an eventful 2024 with a game against a currently managerless Potters side.
Stoke City have sacked manager Narcis Pelach in the build up to their final home game of the year against Sunderland.
The Potters lost 2-0 against Leeds United in midweek and currently sit in 19th place of the Championship table, compared to Sunderland in 4th after their 2-2 draw at Blackburn Rovers on Boxing Day.
Regis Le Bris’ side will be looking to cap a year of desperate lows and new highs with a win. The Black Cats currently sit four points behind leaders Leeds United who play away at Derby County on Sunday.
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Sunderland team and injury news latest ahead of Stoke City
The big news for Sunderland right now is concerning Chris Rigg, who limped off the pitch against Blackburn Rovers last time out.
It’s since been revealed that Rigg left the game in a protective boot and journalist Phil Smith has suggested that the 17-year-old is a major doubt for the next run of games.
Dan Ballard missed the Blackburn Rovers game through injury and it remains to be seen whether he’s fit to return on Sunday.
Elsewhere, the likes of Alan Browne, Romaine Mundle, Niall Huggins, Jenson Seelt, Salis Abdul Samed, and Ahmed Abdullahi remain sidelined.
All bar Huggins are thought to be closing in on a return to action, though.
Sunderland predicted lineup vs Stoke City, Eliezer Mayenda dropped
With an injury to Ballard, the defence looks set to remain unchanged at Stoke City on Sunday afternoon.
But there could be changes further up the field with Rigg needing to be replaced for one, and Eliezer Mayenda possibly dropping down to the bench.
Sunderland fan were critical of Mayenda against Blackburn Rovers. He’s becoming wasteful in front of goal and still looks like a very raw player.
Ian Poveda could be one to come in from the off against Stoke City for what would be his first start of the season, having been an unnamed substitute in the last two games.
Poveda on the left for Mayenda and Adil Aouchiche potentially coming in for Rigg could be two changes Le Bris makes on Sunday.
Aouchiche has impressed off the bench of late and the Stoke game could be the perfect time to throw him in from the off.
Here’s how we think Sunderland could line up against Stoke City…
Patterson (GK)
Cirkin
O’Nien
Mepham
Hume
Bellingham
Neil
Poveda
Aouchiche
Roberts
Isidor