Sunderland will travel to the Memorial Stadium to take on Bristol Rovers in the Checkatrade Trophy semi-finals. The Black Cats have registered three back to back wins in the League One including a 2-0 win against Bristol Rovers. The Wearside outfit is currently unbeaten in 15 games in all competitions and are back in contention for the title race.
Portsmouth are awaiting the winners of this game and Sunderland would definitely want to join them at Wembley. Bristol Rovers might be languishing on the 21st spot on the table, but they are coming into this game on the back of a confidence-boosting win against Blackpool where they registered an impressive 4-0 victory. However, there is no doubt that Sunderland will go in as favourites in this encounter and Ross’ men have already defeated their opponents twice in the league fixtures.
Team News
Ross has often rested his first-team players in the competition, but he insisted that he would field the strongest lineup for this big semi-final clash. Therefore we expect the manager to stick to his best possible eleven. Chris Maguire is out for a lengthy period after he damaged his fibula. Donald Love and Bryan Oviedo are going to be absent once again.
Sunderland predicted lineup Vs Bristol Rovers
Formation (4-2-3-1)
Defence
Jon McLaughlin is going to continue as the first choice goalkeeper in between the sticks. The Scotsman has produced some impressive performances to keep the opposition attackers at bay. Jimmy Dunne has firmly established himself as the first choice centre back since his loan move to the Stadium of Light. He is set to continue in defence and is likely to be partnered by Tom Flanagan.
Luke O’Nien is a midfielder by trade but has done well as a right-back this season. He should continue at the back. Reece James is expected to occupy the left back role.
Midfield
In a knockout game, you often want your experienced men on the pitch and Lee Cattermole and Grant Leadbitter are likely to start in the middle of the park.
Captain George Honeyman is expected to start as a no. 10 and he is often the difference maker in the attacking third. Celtic loanee Lewis Morgan might once again get the nod to start on the right flank. The experienced Aiden McGeady should also keep his place on the left.
Attack
Will Grigg hasn’t exactly been on fire but he is expected to lead the line for the Black Cats in this clash.
