Struggling Sunderland will face a Manchester United side, who are currently on a 20-game unbeaten run, and will hope to conjure a positive result to push the battle for survival down to the wire.
This is the first of two consecutive home games for the Black Cats. The Mackems will not be optimistic considering the fact that their team hasn’t won since February when they grabbed a surprise 4-0 result at Crystal Palace.
Here is the predicted Sunderland line-up to face the Red Devils at the Stadium of light on Sunday lunch time. They may shift to a 4-man back line to soak in the barrage of attacks from United.
Predicted Sunderland Lineup
GK- Jordan Pickford
In a season where almost all of Sunderland’s players have been poor, perhaps it is Pickford who is still keeping them from mathematically going down. Expect a busy day for one of England’s most promising young goalkeepers.
DEF- Jason Denayer
The on-loan Manchester City man is expected to be starting his fourth consecutive game after a brief absence and will look to keep Zlatan Ibrahimović at bay.
DEF- Lamine Kone
The French defender will line-up against the Red Devils having had a torrid time at Old Trafford in the reverse fixture back in GW 18.
DEF- Billy Jones
Having started all of Sunderland’s last nine matches, the former West Brom man has been constant in the side’s backline off late.
DEF- Bryan Oviedo
The 27-year old Costa Rican is expected to have a tough game on the left. He has started all games since his switch from Everton and did manage to score against United while playing for Everton not so long ago.
MID- Lee Cattermole
Having managed 72 minutes at the King Power stadium in the midweek, he will be expected to start in the holding midfield role.
MID- Seb Larsson
The Swede will look to partner Cattermole and Rodwell to combat one of his former international team-mates in Zlatan.
MID- Jack Rodwell
The former Man City flop will look to show his quality against United at the heart of midfield.
MID- Didier N’Dong
The Gabonese international has made 24 starts this season and is expected to keep his place tomorrow as well.
FOR- Jermain Defoe
Sunderland’s 14-goal man will resume striking duties as he looks to break his mini-drought and keep the relegation battle going.
FOR- Victor Anichebe
The Nigerian is back from injury and having got some game time in midweek at Leicester, will look to partner Defoe on a day where his strength in the final third will be crucial.
Injuries and suspensions
Adnan Januzaj is ineligible to face his parent club and will sit the game out.
John O’Shea is unavailable due to a bereavement leave.
Jan Kirchhoff, Steven Pienaar, Paddy McNair and Duncan Watmore are all sidelined for tomorrow’s game.
