Sunderland are on track to move to the Championship via the direct promotions spots as they came back from behind to defeat Rochdale in the last weekend’s game. Jack Ross’ men have now managed to win their last three games, and they currently sit on the third spot.
Next, they head back home to take on Burton Albion. The fixtures are coming thick and fast for the Black Cats, and Ross also shared similar sentiments as he was quoted as saying (Sunderland Echo), ”We’ll take stock of where we’re at squad-wise and team-wise because the team was, by and large, the one that played on Wednesday. Tuesday will be our fourth game in nine days, so we’ll look at it but they’re looking forward to getting back home as well because at the last two venues pitch-wise it’s been difficult at this time of year.”
Burton are on an impressive run of form as they have won four of their last five games. We can expect another closely fought contest at the Stadium of Light.
Team News
Adam Matthews, Chris Maguire and Duncan Watmore are going to miss out due to injuries. Lee Cattermole is also a significant doubt for this clash. Experienced winger Aiden Mcgeady is also going to be a major miss for the Black Cats.
Reece James is unlikely to be fit in time for the game after he suffered an injury against Portsmouth in the final. Lynden Gooch came off in the first half against Rochdale due to injury and he too could miss out.
Formation (4-4-2)
Sunderland have found more joy when they have started with two strikers up front and we expect them to persist with that formula in this game as well.
Defence
Scottish custodian Jon McLaughlin is expected to start in goal once again. Jimmy Dunne has fallen down the pecking order of late, and we expect Ross to put his trust in the defensive pair of Tom Flanagan and Jack Baldwin once again. Bryan Oviedo put in an impressive shift after coming off the bench in the last game, and we expect him to start this clash. Luke O’Nien is likely to operate as a right back.
Midfield
George Honeyman should return to the lineup after he did the star turn by coming off the bench and scoring the winner in injury time against Rochdale. He should be partnered by the more defensive Grant Leadbitter who should be fresh for this clash. Dylan McGeouch could operate from the right flank given the injury crisis. Lewis Morgan should start on the left wing.
Attack
Charlie Wyke and Will Grigg look better when they start together, and we expect Ross to use this formula once again.
