Following a disastrous home defeat against newly promoted Sheffield United on Saturday evening, Simon Grayson’s Sunderland are determined to bounce back in their Tuesday night encounter against Mark Warburton’s Nottingham Forest at Stadium of Light. The Black Cats, who got relegated from Premier League last season, are currently on a three-game losing streak and Grayson is sweating over the fresh injury concerns of Lamine Kone, Aiden Mcgeady, and Lee Cattermole.
Below is their predicted lineup to face Nottingham Forest.
Formation: 4-2-3-1
The gaffer has experimented with his formation against Sheffield United and opted to play with a ‘three-man back-line’. However, he might alter it once more with a few adjustments in the starting lineup and switch to ‘back four’ against the Forest.
GK: Robbin Ruiter
The 30-year-old Dutchman, who started Sunderland’s last two league outings, is expected to feature in the starting lineup despite being second-fiddle to Jason Steele who lost his place following a few erroneous displays. Ruiter’s performance was slammed by the supporters as he conceded at first post and Grayson too admitted his custodian’s mistake against Saturday opponents. Yet, he might be handed one more opportunity to stake his claim.
RB: Billy Jones
The veteran Englishman might be handed a first-team return following an unimpressive display from young Tyais Browning. The Everton loanee started on the right-hand side of Sunderland’s ‘three-man back-line’ and might be benched against the Forest as the Black Cats will be benefitted from Jones’ experience.
CB: John O’Shea
The 36-year-old former Manchester United centre-back came on as a half-time substitute in place of injured Lamine Kone. He is expected to start the game and lead the back-line against Nottingham Forest.
CB: Marc Wilson
The former Stoke City defender was handed his first start against Sheffield United and considering his lack of game-time in recent past, the Irishman fared well in a defensive role and is believed to retain his place.
LB: Bryan Oviedo
Oviedo was not risked after long travel back from international duties with Costa Rica but expected to return in place of youngster Brendan Galloway who is yet to settle in the squad.
CM: Didier Ndong
Ndong has been regular in Sunderland midfield and should retain his place against Tuesday opponents. He will provide physicality and combativeness in the middle of the park.
CM: Jack Rodwell
Once highly-rated English international failed to flourish since joining Manchester City from Everton back in 2012. However, he joined the Black Cats two years later for regular game-time and now playing in Championship following their demotion last season. He scored a late goal against their Saturday counterparts and set to retain his place in starting XI.
RM: Callum McManaman
The new signing from West Brom was a massive influence as he impressed in his 30 minutes cameo and assisted Rodwell with an expertly taken free-kick. He was praised by Grayson and is believed to start against the Forest.
CAM: Jonathan Williams
The Welshman had an impressive debut against The Blades and set to retain his place as a ‘number 10’ behind Lewis Grabban.
LM: Aiden McGeady
Mcgeady was not risked against Sheffield United due to sustaining a minor hamstring strain during international duties but expected to be back on Tuesday.
ST: Lewis Grabban
Grabban has been a regular starter for the Black Cats and already netted thrice in this campaign. Although he had a less impressive outing on Saturday evening, he is their key man forward and set to start against Nottingham Forest.
This is how they could line up:
