Sunderland have dropped four points in the last two games, and they are making things hard for themselves as they are only ahead of fourth-placed Portsmouth on goal difference. The Black Cats trail second-placed Barnsley by two points, but the Wearside outfit has a game in hand over them. It is clear that the race for the second spot is going to go down to the wire and Jack Ross’ men cannot afford to make any more mistakes.
Ross’ men will host Doncaster Rovers at the Stadium of Light on Good Friday. The Rovers are on an impressive run of form as they have won their last four games, and sit on the sixth spot. Sunderland are coming on the back of losing a nine-goal thriller against Coventry City.
Team News
Sunderland are set to welcome Chris Maguire back as Ross said (Sunderland Echo), “He has had a full week’s training so we’re hoping he’ll be back in the squad. Obviously, he’s been out for eight weeks now but we hope to have him in and around the squad.”
Aiden McGeady is still struggling with injury, and he might be only on the bench. Lee Cattermole is back to full fitness, and he could feature in the starting eleven. Dylan McGeouch, Adam Matthews, Duncan Watmore and Reece James are expected to miss out due to injury.
Sunderland Predicted Lineup Vs Doncaster Rovers
Formation (4-4-2)
Defence
Jon McLaughlin would be disappointed to concede five goals in the last tie. He would hope for a better outing in goal. Maybe Ross might change the centre back pairing for this game, and Jimmy Dunne might get the nod ahead of Tom Flanagan to start in defence. Jack Baldwin should keep his place at the back.
Costa Rican international Bryan Oviedo is expected to be on the left side of the defence. Luke O’Nien should be in the right back role to complete the back four.
Midfield
Sunderland conceded five in the last game, and they need to bring in more experience and stability to the lineup. So we expect Lee Cattermole to slot in midfield straightaway. Grant Leadbitter should partner him in the central areas. On the right, George Honeyman should keep his place. We expect Chris Maguire to be only used as a substitute after the long term injury lay off. Lewis Morgan is likely to start down the left flank.
Attack
Charlie Wyke and Will Grigg compliment each other well, and the duo should start together up front once again.
