Although Sunderland have definitely found some ground in the league after their dismal start to the season, the topsy-turvy run in the last six games, where they have won 3 and lost 3, has been the main reason they are still unable to move out of the relegation zone.
After their narrow loss to Chelsea in the midweek, mood around the Stadium of Light is sombre again. However, despite not being the favourites against the Blues, Moyes’ men noticeably put up a strong performance and didn’t make it easy for Chelsea at all.
Something says, if they manage to keep up their spirits, they could successfully see themselves out of the bottom three by the end. And their next opponent has been one of their favourites to host. Watford have lost four out their five league games at the Stadium of Light and Sunderland have scored in all but three of the last 36 meetings between the two.
With the teams immensely tight at the bottom, Sunderland could make a remarkable improvement if they manage to win.
Defence
Pickford will definitely start between the sticks. He has been a revelation this season and Sunderland are definitely not going to sell him coming January despite rumours.
The flanks on either defensive sides will be taken by Billy Jones and Van Aanholt. Although Sunderland were over protective against Chelsea with a five-man defence, Moyes is expected to tone it down to four and balance the attack against Watford.
Jones has been quite lethal on the offensive, although he couldn’t be much adventurous against a pressing Chelsea side. The evening was quite similar for Aanholt. He has often been seen running up the flanks but was forced to focus much on his defence against Chelsea, until the end. Moyes will be looking to liberate him against a not so strong Watford side.
Lamine Kone and Djilobodji should start at the centre. Kone has been pretty average this season after his brilliant last season, while Djilobodji has been improving every game.
Midfield
The pivotal duo should be Jan Kirchhoff and Denayer. Although Kirchhoff’s return has brought back much stability to a struggling Sunderland side, he was quite poor against Chelsea. He will look to improve his performance in the weekend.
In Denayer, Moyes has a hard-working midfielder with unparalleled tenacity. He will be crucial for Sunderland this season. Sebastian Larsson was only a substitute against Chelsea but he could be an influential playmaker behind Defoe.
Attack
Fabio Borini added the much-needed energy that Sunderland was so seriously missing. If Moyes manages to keep him fit, he could be a big influence on their campaign this season.
The right flank should be taken by Januzaj. The Manchester United loanee is now getting his confidence back and had a few chances against Chelsea. And Jermain Defoe will start as the striker.
