3-4-2-1 Sunderland Predicted Lineup To Face Aston Villa: Ashley Fletcher To Lead The Line?

Still rooted to the bottom of the points table, Chris Coleman’s Sunderland quickly needs to turn things around to avoid relegation this season. They have now picked up two draws in their last two games and will hope that this momentum can help them out of the drop zone, before the end of the campaign. They will look to stun 3^rd placed Aston Villa this week when they welcome them to Stadium of Light on Tuesday.

The Villains are in decent form but have been out of action for over nine days and will be raring to take on Sunderland in this tie. But Coleman’s side have been hard to beat recently and are sure to put up some resilience. Here is the predicted lineup the Black Cats might field for this tie:

Team News:

The hosts do not have too many injury issues to worry about ahead of this game. They will still be without Duncan Watmore who is injured and Jake Clarke-Salter, who is suspended.

Expected lineup (3-4-2-1):

Defence:

Jason Steele is now the preferred goalkeeping choice for Coleman and is expected to stick with him for this crunch tie. Lamine Kone has not been at his best but has been consistent at the back for Sunderland and should start on the right side of the back-3 while Tyias Browning should keep his place on the left side of the backline.

John O’Shea will start at the heart of the defence and will be up against Hogan and Grabban, both of who are in decent form.

Midfield:

Bryan Oviedo scored Sunderland’s only goal at Millwall and should keep his place as a wing-back on the left flank while Adam Matthews is expected to retain his place on the right wing as a wing-back.

The midfield has been the biggest problem for Sunderland this season. Lee Cattermole has been a regular presence and should start this game as well, but needs to be at his best for his side to take anything from this tie. Ovie Ejaria did a decent job, adding some creativity to the midfield against Millwall and could keep his place at the heart of the midfield.

Attack:

Coleman has found good returns from Callum McManaman this season and should start him alongside Aiden McGeady on either wing in the attack, to give Aston Villa something to defend. Ashley Fletcher soon needs to find his feet and will get another chance to do so in this tie.

Here is how they might line up: