Sunderland predicted line-up vs Southampton: Teenage duo to start again?
Sunderland take their horrific form to Southampton this weekend and they are in desperate need of some positivity.
Belief among the fanbase is ebbing away by the week, and the club could probably do with reminding everyone that there is cause for optimism going into next season.
There is no relief on the injury front, though, meaning Jack Clarke, Patrick Roberts, Bradley Dack, Dennis Cirkin and Aji Alese are all still out.
So, let’s have a go at predicting which line-up Mike Dodds will pick.
Sunderland predicted line-up vs Southampton (4-3-3)
GK: Anthony Patterson: Much more like his usual self against Leicester. Hopefully a good sign.
RB: Trai Hume: No real reason to leave him out or mess him about positionally.
CB: Jenson Seelt: Getting a good run of games, starting with the suspension of Dan Ballard. Luke O’Nien is now suspended so he should get more opportunities.
CB: Dan Ballard: Good to have him back against Leicester and will be interesting to see how he does as the senior man at the back.
LB: Leo Hjelde: Doesn’t seem to be impressing many people, but are there any other options?
CM: Dan Neil: Vital player and will probably captain the side in O’Nien’s absence too.
CM: Pierre Ekwah: Still not seeing the full extent of what he is capable of, but he’s showing enough.
CM: Chris Rigg: Should keep his side on merit after a superb performance against Leicester.
RW: Callum Styles: Keeping hold of the ball when you do get it against Southampton will likely be important, and so Styles may be seen as a good man for that job.
CF: Jobe Bellingham: Luis Hemir isn’t really working so wouldn’t be a surprise to see Jobe back up front.
LW: Romaine Mundle: Not impressed so far except against Birmingham, but have to persist with the guy.
