It seems Sunderland have regained their scoring form now after relegation was confirmed a few weeks back. David Moyes’ men were able to express themselves freely in the last game against Hull City where they won 2-0 at the KCOM Stadium.
Sunderland’s win helped Swansea City massively who defeated high-flying Everton at Liberty Stadium. And Hull will expect a similar favour from Sunderland this time around. However, Sunderland’s recent record against Swansea City does not give Moyes’ side any chance in this game. The Black Cats are winless in their last four league meetings with the South Wales club at their own backyard, and Sunderland’s last win against them came back in 2012.
It is the only positive result Sunderland have against Swansea since the brilliant eight-match winning streak they had over them between 1937 and 1964. While this game will not matter to Sunderland in any way, it means the world for Swansea, whose relegation survival hinges crucially on this result.
Possible Sunderland XI vs Swansea City
Defence
Jordan Pickford will start under the bar. The English shot-stopper is surely departing from the Stadium of Light at the end of the season following his scintillating displays between the sticks this season. The 23-year-old made some brilliant saves against Hull last game and Moyes will expect the same from him this time.
After tasting success in the last fixture following 10 winless games in the league, Moyes is unlikely to change the squad for this game. The defensive flanks will be taken by Javier Manquillo and Billy Jones. Both the players are expected to leave Sunderland after this season. While Manquillo returns to La Liga after his loan term, Jones has a long-term admirer in Tony Pulis who could make a move this summer.
The central defence will be taken by Lamine Kone and John O’Shea. Kone has no shortage of suitors in the market either, and he too is expected to leave the club.
Midfield
The central midfield should continue to be held by Didier Ndong and Jason Denayer. The two-man pivot looked effective last game and against Gylfi Sigurdsson, who has the most number of assists in 2017 at level with Tottenham’s Eriksen (7). However, they will have to be at their best if Sunderland are to take anything from this game.
The number 10 position will be taken by Sebastian Larsson. The Swede replaced an injured George Honeyman in the final ten minutes of last game and even registered an assist.
Attack
The flanks will be taken by Victor Anichebe and Fabio Borini, while Jermain Defoe will be leading the attack.
