Here is our predicted starting line-up as Sunderland prepare to host Bristol City.
Sunderland will look for an immediate bounce back this weekend as they were thrashed 5-1 by Blackburn Rovers last time out.
It will be a shameful return to the Stadium of Light tomorrow, but this time they will be desperate to claim a big win of their own to pay back the supporters.
Mike Dodds made very few changes from the side that beat Cardiff City last week, however he will surely want to make significant adjustments after Monday’s humiliation.
He has already hinted at giving some youngsters a shot in the final weeks of the campaign, but he will surely focus on picking up some points this weekend.
Here is our predicted XI….
Sunderland predicted XI
Anthony Patterson has remained untouchable this season, despite having a number of off-days.
The goalkeeper has also produced some spectacular saves though and certainly deserves to keep his place against Bristol City.
Trai Hume, Dan Ballard and Luke O’Nien have rarely been benched either, with their only absences due to injury or suspension.
The trio will resume their natural places in the backline, but could (hopefully) be joined by ‘amazing’ Aji Alese on the left.
Callum Styles put on another poor showing last time out, while Leo Hjelde seems to have fallen out of favour under Dodds.
Alese featured in the U21s win over Huddersfield Town yesterday and could make his comeback to the senior team this weekend.
With Corry Evans failing to make the bench on Monday, we could still see Dan Neil and Pierre Ekwah line up in midfield. Adil Aouchiche always seems to get the brunt of poor performances, so could face being dropped.
Chris Rigg scored the only goal and is likely to come back into the team for the Frenchman.
Patrick Roberts really struggled on his return from injury and I would be amazed if he keeps his place in the team, with Abdoullah Ba likely to be given yet another chance out wide.
Jack Clarke made a cameo appearance against Blackburn and could be fit to take Romaine Mundle’s spot, who also disappointed on his return to the starting line-up.
Jobe Bellingham barely saw the ball against Blackburn, however his performance up top against Cardiff was ‘scary’ and so is likely to continue in that role.