Sunderland will be hoping to make in three games unbeaten this weekend as they host Plymouth Argyle.
Sunderland picked up a comfortable 3-1 win against Stoke City last time they were on Wearside, but were lucky to nick a point in a rather underwhelming performance in Middlesbrough last time out.
The Black Cats have now only taken one win from their last five games in all competitions and will be desperate to pick up all three points and potentially return to the play-off positions this weekend.
Michael Beale‘s side sit just one point off sixth place, while the Pilgrims sit in 15th place and have lost only one of their last nine matches in the Championship.
The Sunderland coach could have all three January signings available at his disposal tomorrow, but it remains to be seen whether any of them will make their home debut.
Here is our predicted starting line-up…
Sunderland’s predicted XI vs Plymouth
Anthony Patterson remains in net after keeping eight clean sheets in the Championship this season.
Sunderland managed to avoid any major interest in his signature last month and so he continues his regular spot in between the sticks.
Trai Hume has looked back to his best in recent games and remains irreplaceable on the right-side of defence, after previously filling in on the left.
After a ‘fantastic’ debut against Middlesbrough last time out, Leo Hjelde will make his home debut at left-back against Plymouth.
Dan Ballard picked up a knock against Boro, however Beale has said he is likely to play on Saturday and so will partner Luke O’Nien in the middle.
Pierre Ekwah has looked much better after being given a bit more freedom in midfield, and will partner Dan Neil as usual.
Jobe Bellingham could still do with a rest, but I don’t think Callum Styles will be quite ready for a start as he is yet to train with the senior team. The teenager could perhaps be dropped to the bench midweek.
Jack Clarke continues on the left as usual, while Nazariy Rusyn‘s brilliant goal against Middlesbrough should earn him a recall to the starting line-up.
Abdoullah Ba was excellent against Stoke, but a poor effort against Middlesbrough that could have gifted Sunderland the lead could well knock him down to the bench.
‘Magic’ Patrick Roberts made his comeback from injury at the weekend and we have certainly been missing his skills and creativity, so I would tip him to come in for Ba.