Here is our predicted starting line-up as Sunderland host Leicester City this evening.
Sunderland are desperate to put an end to their four-game losing streak, but coming up against the Championship leaders is certainly what they would have wanted to avoid.
The Black Cats have managed only three wins since the turn of the year, though they have all come on home soil. However, their last outing on Wearside proved to be disastrous in Mike Dodds‘ first game in charge.
There is one glimmer of hope though, with Leicester also struggling for form recently.
The Foxes had lost only four games all season a few weeks ago, however they have now lost three matches on the bounce – enduring defeats to Middlesbrough, Leeds United and QPR.
Their lead at the top of the table has very quickly tightened, and defeat to Sunderland could leave them level on points with second-place Ipswich Town.
The Black Cats certainly don’t have recent results on their side though, having won only one of their last seven meetings with Leicester (L4 D2). However, they have only lost to them on home soil once since 1999.
With Sunderland still missing their key man Jack Clarke, they are going to need to find their goals from somewhere else, while also firming up a defence that has really struggled lately.
Here is our predicted line-up…
Predicted Sunderland XI
Once again, Anthony Patterson keeps his place in between the sticks. The goalkeeper has struggled with Sunderland’s plans to play out from the back, but for the most part he has been one of the better players.
Trai Hume arguably had one of his worst performances for the Black Cats against Norwich, however he is comfortably one of our best players when at his best. There is no denying that he will remain at right-back.
Luke O’Nien looked off the pace against the Canaries, but he keeps the captains armband and his place in the team. However, he will reunite with Dan Ballard, who has missed the last two games due to suspension.
Leo Hjelde starts at left-back, having made it very clear that he is our only option on the left-side of defence over Callum Styles.
The former Barnsley man is likely to be dropped after playing on the wing last time out, while Jobe Bellingham could also drop to the bench after a series of poor performances.
This could give the opportunity for Chris Rigg to impress on his first senior start, while Dan Neil and Pierre Ekwah are likely to be given another chance in midfield.
Romaine Mundle struggled to create many chances at the weekend, but Jack Clarke’s absence means he will make his third start since joining the club. Meanwhile, Abdoullah Ba could be given another shot on the right.
Luis Hemir Semedo made his first start since August against Norwich, but certainly didn’t take the opportunity very well. After an underwhelming performance, Nazariy Rusyn will hope to take his spot back up front.