Sunderland have been handed a favourable fixture as they look to win consecutive matches for the first time this season which will also be their 2nd win of the whole season. This clearly depicts why they are currently 20th in the table. They will be facing a Hull City side who, after an enterprising start, are struggling to come to grips with the competitive nature of the league. Both the sides had underwhelming transfer windows and most of their deficiencies lie in the quality and depth in squad.
Sunderland have failed to click as a unit and it reflects on the results. Without Jermain Defoe, they might well have been in a worse position, morale and goal wise. He will once again be spearheading their quest for goals which will help them in their need for the invaluable 3 points.
It remains to be seen whether the International break came as a boon or a bane for them as the disruption came immediately after the much-needed win against Bournemouth. But the manager would have got time to sort his ideas and plans and will hope the players are able to execute them after more preparation.
T4O’s PREDICTED SUNDERLAND LINE-UP VS HULL CITY (4-2-3-1)
DEFENCE
Jordan Pickford will be in goal and will look to carry on his dream start to the season, on a personal level. He will hope his performance helps the team to chalk up a win in the virtual 6-pointer. Billy Jones is expected to keep his place at right-back at the expense of Manquillo.
Kone and Djilobodji will be the central defensive pairing but there will be added scrutiny on both of them especially Kone, on whose recent displays, many questions have been raised. Van Aanholt will be at left-back and he will be his usual attacking self and look to influence play from the wide areas.
MIDFIELD
Moyes went in with a double pivot against the Cherries and might look to do the same here. N’dong and McNair are the obvious choices with question marks and fitness issues hampering the other options that he has. Both of them need to be on the mark to provide a base for the Black Cats to win this game. With Pienaar suspended, we might see Januzaj behind the striker in the No.10 role.
ATTACK
Anichebe is rated a doubt right now but if he can prove his fitness in time he will start ahead of Wahbi Khazri on the left-flank. Watmore is expected to be on the right-wing with Defoe leading the line.
