Sunderland have an away match against QPR on the agenda as they look to notch up only their 2nd win of the season. Their only other win came in the EFL Cup itself which was a 1-0 victory over Shrewsbury a month back. David Moyes was handed the reins at Sunderland with the club in a mini-crisis. After a succession of years where they were involved in relegation dogfights, many had hoped the club would finally be on the rise with the prospect of Sam Allardyce starting from scratch this season. But with the England job calling, Big Sam left the club in doldrums with the owner’s making a belated move in signing David Moyes.
And after a hectic transfer window, it is difficult to say whether Moyes got the signings he was ideally looking for. The team looks bereft of depth in quality and is horribly short on striking options. Moyes had spoken of the optimistic hopes he had from their season before the start but if the early signs are anything to go by, it will be another long year for the Black Cats. They are currently in the 19th position with a solitary point from 5 games, with the draw coming against Southampton.
It will be interesting to see the team Moyes selects for the 3rd round match against QPR. With pressure mounting in the league, he will look to avoid any sort of injuries to his main players. But the balance will be key as they will look to avoid any sort of slip-ups against QPR, which will be a massive blow to their already shredded morale.
HERE IS T4O’s PREDICTED SUNDERLAND LINE-UP VS QPR (4-2-3-1)
DEFENCE
Pickford will look to keep his place between the sticks and build on his impressive show against Spurs with Mannone injured. Van Aanholt might be given some minutes if he is passed fit to play with the centre-back pairing likely to be that of Djilobodji and McNair with Donald Love likely to make a return to right-back.
MIDFIELD
Ndong might get a game with Rodwell as his partner in the double pivot with the summer signing carrying hopes of being the rock in the midfield for the beleaguered Black Cats. Wahbi Khazri can line up in the No.10 role and look to cement his place in the team with an inspired display.
ATTACK
Watmore and Gooch can take up the flank roles with David Moyes facing a crisis for the striker’s position. Anichebe is expected to be fit but is likely to brought on for Defoe to get some minutes under his belt.
