Here is our predicted starting line-up as Sunderland visit Watford this weekend.
Sunderland are preparing for their penultimate game in a season to forget.
The Black Cats will be aiming to claw their way into the top half with a win at Vicarage Road, despite scoring only two goals in their last five matches.
Watford sit three points below them and are unlikely to get dragged into the relegation scrap, so tomorrow’s clash could promise to be a dull one.
Like Sunderland, the Hornets have been fairly solid defensively, picking up three clean sheets in their last four outings. However, they only have one win in the past two months.
Mike Dodds‘ side have done much better against the ‘bigger’ teams in recent weeks, with their three at the back formation coming in handy on the road.
Sunderland could well stick with that formation and will look to do the double over Watford, with Niall Huggins and Abdoullah Ba netting in a 2-0 victory in October.
Sunderland predicted XI v Watford
Anthony Patterson remains in between the sticks after picking up five clean sheets in their last seven games. It could be the goalkeeper’s final away day with Sunderland, if he chooses to leave this summer.
Timothee Pembele keeps his place at right wing-back as he looks to build on his first three starts for the Black Cats.
Trai Hume was confirmed to have been suffering with illness prior to the Millwall defeat, but is likely to return to the starting line-up after coming on at half-time last time out. The Northern Ireland international will continue out of position at centre-back.
Dan Ballard and Luke O’Nien play alongside him, having formed a fairly solid backline in recent weeks.
Aji Alese will be pushed out to left wing-back following Hume’s return after putting on a ‘very encouraging performance’ against The Lions.
Callum Styles will look to take advantage of being played in his natural position this week, with Dan Neil’s injury providing him with the opportunity to partner Pierre Ekwah in midfield.
Patrick Roberts is likely to return to the squad following the birth of his baby, however Chris Rigg’s‘dangerous’ form means he is likely to remain on the right of the front three.
Jack Clarke hasn’t scored since returning from his injury and will be looking to make a positive impact at Vicarage Road, while Jobe Bellingham has struggled to impress since his ‘scary’ display in the win over Cardiff.
Sunderland’s lack of goalscorers means Jobe is likely to continue to spearhead the attack for the rest of the campaign.
Bradley Dack will surely be dropped after another underwhelming performance against Millwall, though questions must be asked as to why we opted to play him up front in the first place.