Sunderland predicted line-up vs Shrewsbury: Will Ross Stewart be risked?

Let's take a look at the Sunderland team that could face Shrewsbury in the FA Cup.

Author:
Michael Graham
Publish date:
Jan 6, 2023 9:45 PM EST

Sunderland head to New Meadow to face Shrewsbury in the FA Cup third round this weekend, and cup line-ups are never easy to predict.

The injury crisis probably helps a little, though, as it is more a case of who can play, rather that who will.

Tony Mowbray has some key decisions to make up front, especially, and in midfield, so let’s have a go at predicting the team he picks.

Sunderland predicted line-up vs Shrewsbury (4-1-4-1)

GK: Alex Bass – Has not really had a look in due to Anthony Patterson’s great form, but good to keep him sharp in case he is needed.

RB: Trai Hume – Starting to show why Sunderland were so pleased to get him from Linfield a year ago. Starting to shine at right back and there seems little reason to risk Lynden Gooch so soon after injury.

CB: Dan Ballard – Due to injuries, the defence pretty much picks itself. Sunderland might not want to risk a player like Ballard in this one, but there are not a huge amount of options.

CB: Bailey Wright – Probably a good warrior to have in your side for this one regardless whether there is a defensive injury crisis or not.

LB: Luke O’Nien – Might need a rest, but good luck trying to tell him that. Likely to play and could show his versatility again by shuffling over to the left.

CDM: Dan Neil – In all honesty, Dan Neil could probably do with a rest at some point. However, with Corry Evans still missing, Neil seems to be the only other man Mowbray trusts to anchor the midfield.

RW: Patrick Roberts – It is probably time to give Amad Diallo a rest, but Roberts has played less football of late and should be fine to continue.

CM: Edouard Michut – If Sunderland want to toughen Michut up a bit, then a FA Cup tie away at lower league opposition should help. He impressed in flashes against Wigan and Blackpool so would be a shame to interrupt his rhythm now.

CM: Abdoullah Ba – Mowbray has talked up Ba as ‘a number 8’ so perhaps this is the time to use him in that role, especially after his great cameo from the bench at Blackpool.

LW: Jewison Bennette – I think we’ve all been itching to see more of Bennette and Mowbray has already suggested he will start at New Meadow. Only real question is what role. The apparent language barrier probably suggests Mowbray will keep it simple and put him in his natural position.

CF: Leon Dajaku – Will Mowbray decide to risk Ross Stewart? He is the only senior centre forward at the club and he says he wants to play, but surely he is too valuable to risk in this one? I’m not sure it’s fair playing Dajaku as a lone centre-forward, but if the balance of the team behind him is okay there is no reason why he can’t do it either.

Sunderland predicted line-up vs Shrewsbury (4-1-4-1)

Read more Sunderland coverage