Things cannot possibly get any worse for Sunderland this season. They are the most injury hit team in the league, they are the lowest in the league table and they are yet to taste a win this season. Hence, things can only improve or remain as it is for them in the league.
They will be optimistic as they will be facing Bournemouth, who have a poor past record against the Black Cats as they have won just 1 of their eight games in all competitions. They have drawn 3 and lost 4 in the other 7 games.
But, Bournemouth have been pretty impressive this season with their notable performance coming against over Hull City at home and Sunderland will be wary of their home form this season. Bournemouth have gathered 10 points from 5 games at home. It is also surprising to see that Sunderland is not the worst team in the league when it comes to away form. They are third last above Burnley and Leicester City.
Defence
In Vito Mannone’s absence, Jordan Pickford will continue to guard the goal. Sunderland have his first team defence although they have not done a convincing job at all.
Moyes can only wait for his team to start clicking and we expect him to start with the same lineup that started against Arsenal as they were successful in keeping attacks at bay until the fourth quarter of the game. Kone and John O’Shea are expected to start at the back against Bournemouth with Manquillo and Van Aanholt starting on the defensive flanks.
Midfield
We expect Paddy McNair to continue his anchoring position although he has failed to show any kind of improvement. With Jan Kirchhoff injured, Moyes can only wait for the right time. Jack Rodwell and Didier N’dong will start in the middle.
Steven Pienaar was one of the few players who was any kind of a threat to the Arsenal defence. Wahbi Khazri could be appearing in the centre and Moyes will hope that the attacker brings out his A-game and provide some creativity.
Attack
Jermain Defoe again scored a goal against Arsenal from the spot but it seems he is the only forward to have any kind of scoring touch at the moment. Moyes has to start with the Englishman as the only other top scorer for the club is their left-back Van Aanholt. Duncan Watmore is also expected to start on the right forward position with Defoe.
