Here is our predicted starting line-up as Sunderland take on Cardiff City on Friday.
Sunderland are set to return to action after international break on Good Friday, as they travel to the Cardiff City Stadium.
The Black Cats will be hoping the two weeks off can give them a fresh start after failing to win since the 3-1 victory over Plymouth Argyle last month.
Mike Dodds‘ side could potentially slip down to as low as 15th place if they are beaten in Wales, but a win could close the five-point gap between themselves and Cardiff.
Sunderland could be boosted by a number of players returning from injury, but the absence of Jack Clarke continues to punish them, having scored only four goals in their previous seven games.
Meanwhile, Cardiff have been in decent form, winning four of their last five matches, but falling to defeat to rivals Swansea City before the break.
Sunderland’s trip to Wales could really determine how their final stretch of fixtures goes, while it is unclear who Dodds will select to try and finally pick up a win.
Here is our predicted starting line-up…
Sunderland predicted XI vs Cardiff
Anthony Patterson remains the only goalkeeper worthy of a place in Sunderland’s starting line-up this season, with Nathan Bishop’s only appearance coming against Crewe in the Carabao Cup in August.
Trai Hume remains one of the club’s best players during a sticky patch, keeping his place on the right-side of defence after starting in Northern Ireland’s friendlies against Romania and Scotland during the break.
Dan Ballard was also part of the Northern Ireland team and will once again start for Sunderland, while this time he will be parterned by Luke O’Nien.
The defender had missed the last two matches due to suspension, but his return will see Leo Hjelde pushed back out to the left. Callum Styles drops to the bench after being forced to play out of position for most of his time on Wearside so far.
Dan Neil starts in midfield as usual, while Pierre Ekwah could return to the fold after Mike Dodds confirmed he would make his comeback at some point after the international break.
It’s a toss-up between Adil Aouchiche and Chris Rigg for the final midfield spot, though I would like to see the latter given another chance. The teenager should be a regular in the starting line-up next season, so I see no reason as to why we shouldn’t be handing him some experience at a stage of the season that doesn’t really matter.
Abdoullah Ba and Romaine Mundle remain on the wing, while Jobe Bellingham may be pushed up front due to Nazariy Rusyn’s injury and Luis Hemir’s terrible form.