Sunderland’s losing streak further extended to three games as they went down to Manchester City two weeks back. The Black Cats had their fixture against Middlesbrough postponed as the Riverside club had FA commitments, and given Sunderland’s away form this season, it was definitely helpful.
They host Burnley next, a side whose away form has been worse than Sunderland. In fact, the Clarets have the worst away record in the Premier League this season collecting just 2 points from 14 games. David Moyes would definitely fancy a win this week as it might bring them level on points with Middlesbrough.
Though Sunderland’s home record hasn’t been very optimistic but the team has been performing at home quite well of late and are definitely the favourites to get the three points. Burnley are yet to lose to Moyes’ men this season, although they haven’t won at the Stadium of Light. Sunderland have won five of their previous eight home games in all competition.
Strongest Sunderland XI vs Burnley (4-2-3-1)
Defence
Sunderland’s defence has come under huge criticism this season as they have allowed their opponents to have 99 shots on target, which explains the 50 goals they have conceded so far. However, with their long injury list, they could have done little.
Jordan Pickford will start under the bar. The above stats prove just how difficult the task must have been for their second-choice keeper. The 23-year-old English goalie has let in 31 goals in 18 appearances with a brittle defence guarding him.
Winter recruit Bryan Oviedo will start on the left and Javier Manquillo on the right. Manquillo was benched last game and it didn’t go well. The central defensive duo should be Lamine Kone and John O’Shea. This might be Kone’s last season with the Black Cats and he would want it to end on a good note.
Midfield
Central midfielder Darren Gibson suffered a knee injury in the last game and we expect the boss to go with Jack Rodwell in the middle of the park alongside Sebastian Larsson. The duo has spent most of the first half of the season playing together and should work positively for Sunderland. Didier Ndong played in the number 10 role last time and we expect him to continue there.
Attack
The only good thing about Sunderland has been their attack. Fabio Borini and Adnan Januzaj will start on the flanks. Jermain Defoe leads the attack.
