Sunderland are prepared for another crucial Championship game against Hull City tonight.
Sunderland fell out of the play-off places after losing 2-1 to Ipswich Town last time out, and if they lose again against The Tigers, they would have lost three in a row.
The Black Cats did win narrowly at the MKM Stadium on Boxing Day and will be looking to complete the double, but Michael Beale may under further pressure if he fails to achieve his third win in seven games.
The former Rangers boss will have to cope with a number of injury issues, as well as decide whether to remain with the starting lineup that was beaten last weekend.
HERE’S OUR EXPECTED XI.
Sunderland predicted XI versus Hull City.
Anthony Patterson makes his 28th start in the Championship this season. The goalkeeper retains his position in the squad despite recent reports linking him with a move to Liverpool.
Dan Ballard and Luke O’Nien’s defensive connection is inconsistent.
Michael Beale stated that Aji Alese suffered a knock in training, thus he may be sidelined against Hull. This implies Trai Hume could be moved to the left side of defence, with Timothee Pembele making his maiden start for the club on the right.
The Frenchman has only made two cameo appearances for Sunderland this season, having spent the first three months on the sidelines.
Pierre Ekwah and Dan Neil remain in the middle of the pitch, with Pritchard moving slightly forward having being moved into a more central role against Ipswich. The match comes just days after Birmingham City, MLS side Colorado Rapids, and Turkish club Sivasspor expressed interest in the 30-year-old, with the latter reportedly making an official offer.
Jack Clarke will hope for his 14th goal of the season, while Abdoullah Ba is fortunate to preserve his spot on the right after scoring his first goal since the win over Watford in October.
Jobe Bellingham is undoubtedly ready for a rest after failing to impress for quite some time, thus I hope he is dropped in favor of Nazariy Rusyn. Despite scoring his first league goal in the previous game, the Ukrainian was unfairly benched against Ipswich.
