'Exciting' talent set to start? Sunderland predicted line-up vs Norwich
It’s not gone all that well for Sunderland lately, and they start three tough games on the bounce with a test away at Norwich.
A run of three successive defeats has certainly given interim head coach Mike Dodds a lot to ponder, as has the injuries to Jack Clarke and Patrick Roberts – players who Sunderland have grown to rely on to provide the attacking thrust to their play.
So, what Sunderland team might Mike Dodds select at Carrow Road? Let’s have a go at predicting it.
Sunderland Predicted line-up vs Norwich (4-3-3)
GK: Anthony Patterson – Another worryingly weak parry last week shows the Sunderland stopper is still a bit out of sorts. Is there any other real option, though?
RB: Trai Hume – Probably revert to a more familiar right-back role after his wing-back forays last week.
CB: Luke O’Nien – A booking away from a suspension, but reassuring to know that even if he gets one now, Dan Ballard will be ready to step straight back in.
CB: Jenson Seelt – Sure to get another chance with Ballard completing his two-game ban.
LB: Leo Hjelde – Jury is still out on him, but looks like he’s the only real option at left-back for now.
CM: Dan Neil – Feels pretty much untouchable in the Sunderland midfield.
CM: Chris Rigg – Mike Dodds has been talking him up this week and this game looks a better one to start him in than Leicester or Southampton.
CM: Pierre Ekwah – One of the few players to play well last week, even if he does still seem a bit out of sorts.
RW: Abdoullah Ba – Scored at Carrow Road last season and could be a key man again.
CF: Jobe Bellingham – Away from home against a good attacking team, you wonder if Dodds will risk the Nazariy Rusyn struggling to take on his defensive instructions. Probably means Jobe up front again but might not be the worst thing in the world.
LW: Romaine Mundle – With Jack Clarke out for most of the rest of the season, Mundle can get a head start on replacing him for next season. He's a player Dodds says we should be excited about, so let's see it.
