Predicted Sunderland XI Vs Southampton: Can The Black Cats Move Out Of The Relegation Zone?

Sunderland will be looking to carry forward the momentum that the shock 4-0 win over Crystal Palace has provided them. It all seemed doom and gloom for David Moyes and his boys as they failed to get the desired number of players in the transfer window. The Black Cats saw the departure of Patrick Van Aanholt and with the money recouped they got in 3 new players.

Although their backs have been against the wall for quite a while now, the renewed boost they got from the return of the players from AFCON seems to have brought about a spring in their steps. They were struggling to put together a team and having done that, it will give much-needed confidence to David Moyes, having seen his team put 4 past a manager whom he replaced in the summer. The win was much needed and would have given him a pointer to how things will probably work for him.

They will be facing a struggling Southampton side in the weekend and it is imperative that they manage to get a positive result from this fixture. Even though Sunderland are at the bottom of the pile, the difference in points with the 15^th placed team is just 2 which shows the importance of a win or two to get back into the thick of things.

PREDICTED SUNDERLAND XI VS SOUTHAMPTON (3-5-1-1)

DEFENCE

Vito Mannone will continue to keep his place between the sticks. Moyes has been utilising a 3-man backline lately and he is likely to continue with that formation. The team got their best result of the season and he will loathe changing it right now. Lamine Kone will be the mainstay of the defence while Denayer and John O’Shea is likely to line-up either side of him. The clean sheet and Kone’s return was a welcome relief for them and Moyes will hope that his rearguard keeps churning out displays like that.

MIDFIELD

Oviedo is likely to be stationed in the left wingback role once again and will look to cement his place, although Moyes does not really have too many options to turn to otherwise. Billy Jones was preferred on the right wingback role and is likely to continue there. The midfield 3 might see a change with Gibson a possible alternative to Rodwell who is a slight doubt. Ndong and Larsson will make up the trio at the centre of the pitch.

ATTACK

Defoe and Januzaj were excellent against Crystal Palace and they will hope to carry on the blossoming partnership further.