Sunderland predicted line-up vs Reading: A striker and a very strong bench

How might Tony Mowbray line-up his side this weekend when Sunderland host Reading at the Stadium of Light?

Author:
Callum Jacques
Publish date:
Feb 10, 2023 12:06 PM EST

Sunderland finally look like they have some options available to them for the visit of Reading, meaning we could see a very strong bench.

Sunderland may not make many changes to their starting line-up compared to their last league outing but Mowbray will have a host of players returning from injuries and suspensions to call upon.

Alex Pritchard, Luke O’Nien, Pierre Ekwah, Jewison Bennette, Isaac Lihadji, Joe Anderson and Abdoullah Ba will all be available for selection on Saturday with Dennis Cirkin (concussion) and Lynden Gooch (hip) the only short-term casualties still to return to the squad.

Elliot Embleton is still rehabbing a broken ankle, whilst Corry Evans and Ross Stewart won’t be seen again this season due to long-term injuries.

Sunderland beat this weekends opponents Reading 3-0 in the return fixture and will be hoping for more of the same come Saturday, with them only sitting two points off the play-offs.

After a strong start to the season Reading’s form has slipped of late and they now sit 16^th in the table, four points behind Sunderland.

Sunderland predicted line-up (4-2-3-1)

How Sunderland could line-up when they plkay Reading?

GK: Anthony Patterson – Will be looking for his ninth clean sheet of the season against Reading.

RB: Trai Hume – Faced a tough test against Fulham as most of their play came down that side. He stood up to the challenge well and will be an excellent learning curve for him.

CB: Dan Ballard – Another young player that didn’t hide when under pressure. Dealt with Fulham’s physicality upfront very well and goes from strength to strength in red and white.

CB: Danny Batth – The experience of Batth is vital to this otherwise young side.

LB: Aji Alese – Was excellent against Premier League opposition on Wednesday and to this day is still the best thing David Moyes ever did for Sunderland.

CM: Dan Neil – Has now played 86 times for Sunderland. You almost forget how young he is. even at the age of 21 he is one of the more experienced players in the team.

CM: Edouard Michut – Showed a different side of his game on Wednesday night getting stuck into tackles and being physical.

CM: Amad Diallo – Was unlucky not to score when his shot was cleared off the line against Fulham. Should interchange with Roberts as usually.

AM: Patrick Roberts – Truly back at his best, when he has the ball at his feet defenders are scared to go near him.

LM: Jack Clarke – Excellent finish against Fulham. Many had recently questioned his attitude, but he showed on Wednesday the quality he can provide.

ST: Joe Gelhardt – Set to make his second start for the club in hopefully a less physical encounter to suit his play style more.

Sunderland predicted line-up (4-2-3-1)

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