Sunderland will host Plymouth Argyle at the Stadium of Light where they will look to get back into the automatic promotion spot after winning against Bristol Rovers in the last weekend. The Black Cats sit two points behind second-placed Barnsley having played a game less. Therefore Jack Ross will look to pile more pressure on their rivals.
Plymouth meanwhile are coming on the back of a thumping 5-1 win against Rochdale which saw them move to the 14th spot. However, there is no doubt that they will go in as the underdog in this encounter especially away from home. Sunderland will look to get the job done as they have been guilty of drawing too many games this season. The last time these two sides met in the reverse fixture, Ross’ men ran out 2-0 winners.
Team News
Chris Maguire is set to be out for a lengthy time frame as he broke his fibula. Apart from that, Bryan Oviedo and Lynden Gooch are also a significant doubt for this clash. Oviedo might be close to returning as he started doing some training.
Sunderland Predicted Lineup Vs Plymouth Argyle
Formation (4-2-3-1)
Defence
Jon McLaughlin is the undisputed no. 1 in goal for Sunderland, and he has put in some inspired performance in between the sticks. Jimmy Dunne has established himself as the first choice centre half since his arrival in January, and he is set to start in the heart of the defence. Tom Flanagan should partner him at the back.
Reece James should start as the left back. Luke O’Nien has filled in well as right back even though he is a midfielder by trade. He should continue as a fullback over Adam Matthews.
Midfield
The experienced duo of Lee Cattermole and Grant Leadbitter should start in the middle of the park. Both of them can bring calmness and determination in the middle of the park, and the duo have a crucial role to play in getting Sunderland back to the Championship.
George Honeyman’s energy and ability to drive the ball forward makes him a major asset. He should operate in the no. 10 role. Lewis Morgan can start from the right flank though someone like Duncan Watmore is also a strong candidate to start in that position. However, we are going in with the Celtic loanee. The experienced Aiden McGeady is a guaranteed starter down the left flank.
Attack
Big money signing Will Grigg has failed to hit the ground running ever since he joined from Wigan Athletic. However, Ross is likely to trust him to lead the line once again.
