Here is our predicted starting line-up as Sunderland host QPR this weekend.
Sunderland are looking to avoid something they have never done before in losing seven successive games this weekend.
The Black Cats have only three of their 13 games since the turn of the year, while they have been beaten by Swansea, Norwich, Leicester and Southampton since Mike Dodds took charge until the end of the season.
It was certainly a slightly more positive display at St Mary’s at the weekend though, with the team battling back to take it to 2-2 before Dan Ballard’s injury offered the Saints a easy route back in.
It has been a run of tough games though and coming up against a club in a relegation scrap should be a guaranteed three points for hosts – and they will certainly face all sorts of problems if they fail.
Dodds’ side are handed a huge disadvantage though, with the team really lacking in squad depth due to their growing injury list.
Niall Huggins, Dennis Cirkin, Dan Ballard, Luke O’Nien, Jenson Seelt, Aji Alese, Corry Evans, Elliot Embleton, Patrick Roberts, Jack Clarke and Bradley Dack are all unavailable this weekend.
Here is the predicted starting line-up with some very limited options…
Sunderland predicted XI vs QPR
Anthony Patterson has come under some criticism in recent weeks, but there is no doubt that he will be starting in between the sticks on Saturday afternoon.
Five injuries and a ban in defence could see Timothee Pembele handed his first start since joining from Paris Saint-Germain last summer. The Frenchman has managed only five substitute appearances so far.
Trai Hume and Leo Hjelde are likely to be pushed into the heart of defence, with no centre-backs available. Callum Styles will pick up where he left off on the left side this weekend, despite being guilty of two horrific performances against Swansea and Southampton.
Pierre Ekwah could return to the line-up alongside Dan Neil, with Dodds potentially set to drop Chris Rigg after he gave away a penalty last time out. Jobe Bellingham was poor again, but no doubt the interim coach will keep him in because of his wonder goal.
Romaine Mundle will keep his place after scoring his first goal for the club last week, while we could see Adil Aouchiche coming in off the right wing in what will be his first start since Christmas.
Mason Burstow and Luis Hemir Semedo have failed to impress in recent games, so Nazariy Rusyn is likely to resume his place at the head of the attack.