Sunderland are placed at the 23rd spot in the league table, 8 points behind the relegation zone, and there is no denying that it would take herculean efforts from Chris Coleman’s troops to avoid getting doomed at the end of the season.
They are due to face Leeds United at the Elland Road on Saturday Sunderland must try to make the most of the stuttering form of the Whites under the tutelage of Paul Heckingbottom.
Sunderland Team News
Lamine Kone will be back after his recovery from the groin injury. Jake Clarke-Salter is also going to be available for selection after completing his four-match suspension. However, a bit of doubt lingers over the fitness of Brendan Galloway and Bryan Oviedo and their problems will be needed to be assessed.
Here is how we expect Coleman to place his starting line-up against Leeds United this weekend.
Goalkeeper
Lee Camp is expected to be stationed between the sticks once again. The 33-year-old is seemingly likely to be tested on a regular basis by Heckingbottom’s men and thus, he needs to be on his toes throughout the game to save the blushes of his side.
Defence
A four-man defensive wall is anticipated to be rolled out by Coleman once again. Kone’s return means he might be pencilled at the heart of the defence of Sunderland alongside John O’Shea. The duo needs to showcase adequate resilience and has to churn an excellent camaraderie among them.
Bryan Oviedo should start from the left-back slot, if he passes the late fitness test, whereas, from the right-back, Donald Love is expected to see the green light from Coleman to start once again. The wingers of the Whites have showcased their attacking prowess time and again and thus, Sunderland’s fullbacks need to keep them at bay by hook or by crook.
Midfield
Lee Cattermole is expected to operate as the central defensive midfielder to cushion the back line and to allow the central midfielders to gallop forward to create chances. Cattermole works really hard on the pitch and he has to be the leader in the business end of the season to save his side from getting relegated.
Aiden McGeady will be a decent option on the left-wing, with Lynden Gooch seemingly likely to operate as the right-winger. Meanwhile, George Honeyman and Paddy McNair are expected to be teed up to fill the central midfield. They have to be the engine room for their side’s offensive endeavours in the upcoming fixture against the Peacocks.
Attack
Ashley Fletcher might get the nod to lead the line once again. The 22-year-old has scored just 1 goal so far in the Championship and given that the back line of Heckingbottom’s side have appeared to be timorous of late, he must try to up his tally this weekend.
