Sunderland head to the ninth gameweek in search of their first win in the Premier League this campaign. In fact, they are the only Premier League club yet to seal a victory this season. With the other teams gradually settling and finding their rhythm, Sunderland are still struggling and there has been no sign of improvement for the Black Cats. David Moyes needs to find the winning formula and he has to do it really soon or else the Wearside club has a chance to finally go down after their consistent relegation battles in the last few years.
David Moyes will take his side to Olympic Stadium in London on Saturday to take on West Ham who had struggles of their own this season. The Hammers were expected to make the headlines this term and at least a top six challenge were expected of them but the season has been a big letdown for them so far. However, things looked a little better for Slaven Bilic’s side in their 1-0 win over Crystal Palace last week and the East London club will desperately want to build some momentum by brushing Sunderland aside.
Here is the predicted Sunderland lineup against West Ham-
Defence
Jordan Pickford has done a pretty decent job under the bar and got the reward for his good work with his first senior call-up for England. The 22-year-old will be looking to keep up his good form but needs helping hands from his defence. Javier Manquillo will be at right-back with Lamine Kone and John O’Shea making up the central defensive pair. Papy Djilobodji offers an alternative option if Kone fails to clear fit for the game. Van Aanholt will definitely start in the left-back position.
Midfield
Jan Kirchhoff is out injured and therefore we expect to see Paddy McNair continuing at the base of midfield. The Northern Irish international is clearly a Moyes favourite and even though he has not been impressive at all, we expect him to have a long run in the starting XI. Didier Ndong and Jack Rodwell are expected to continue as the two box to box midfielders.
Attack
With Adnan Januzaj out for the Black Cats, Wahbi Khazri is likely to continue in the number ten role. Duncan Watmore is expected to line up as the supporting forward alongside experienced Jermain Defoe. The 33-year-old has scored 4 goals already this season and there is too much pressure on his shoulders to get on the scoring sheet.
