Sunderland’s campaign has been hit hard repeatedly by injuries so far, which has been one of the main reasons why the Black Cats haven’t been able to build on the little momentum they have managed every now and then and are still in the relegation zone. Moyes has been crippled by injuries and here’s how the team could look like if they have all their players fit.
Here is the strongest Sunderland XI
Defence
Jordan Pickford should start under the bar. Although Vito Mannone started the season as the first choice, the English goalie was called upon by the boss when Mannone was injured and he stood up to the challenge. He didn’t have the best of defences to protect him and he conceded 27 goals in 16 appearances, but the 22-year-old has the elements to be a top keeper as he’s often come up with some jaw-dropping saves.
Sunderland have conceded 46 goals so far and it is a department Moyes had hardly focussed on until the January transfer window. Bringing in Bryan Oviedo has brought in numerous options for the Scottish boss. The Costa Rican should start on the left defensive flank with Billy Jones on the right flank. While Patrick van Aanholt had done his role quite effectively for the Black Cats before he moved to Crystal Palace, Oviedo could be equally effective from that position.
Sunderland have a pretty good centre-half in Lamine Kone. The Ivory Coast international was quintessential to Sunderland escaping relegation last season and Moyes actually has some decent options to play alongside him in John O’Shea and Papy Djilobodji. But the consistency has been lacking sorely.
The dearth of any quality holding midfielder in front of the defence has led Moyes to use O’Shea as a pivot on numerous times which has obviously been ineffective. However, in an ideal scenario, O’Shea alongside Kone makes an experienced and disciplined back line. New recruit Joleon Lescott is good enough to start from the centre when needed.
Midfield
Sunderland undoubtedly have one of the quality core of players in the midfield and it is a pity Moyes never got to try out the best of combinations. In players like Jan Kirchhoff, Lee Cattermole, Didier N’Dong and Jack Rodwell, Sunderland have a pretty combative midfield, when they are fit, of course.
In a strong setup, we would expect the brilliant Kirchhoff to start alongside Lee Cattermole. Their experience and brilliant vision would provide the perfect cushion for the back line and a good spring for their attack
The playmaker’s role would prove to be difficult for Moyes to assign as the club lacks any such quality player who could play the perfect number 10. Sebastian Larsson would be the best Moyes could use in that position.
Attack
Fabio Borini is expected to start on the left flank with Adnan Januzaj on the right. And Jermain Defoe will lead the attack. Although Sunderland’s attack lacks the depth compared to most other teams, they are fortunate to have the first-choice forward line fully fit.
