Sunderland face Norwich City in the Championship on Sunday.
The Canaries come into this one having not lost in their past five games. David Wagner’s side sit 5th in the table and are on good form to go onto finish inside those play-off positions come May. They’ll be looking to take advantage of a poor Sunderland as of late and many will consider them favourites.
As for Sunderland, they’ve endured a tough patch of late, denting their play-off chances. The current system isn’t working and hasn’t particularly looked convincing since the injuries to both Ross Stewart and Corry Evans. However, with tired legs and a lack of depth, things aren’t boding well for the Black Cats this weekend.
Sunderland team news
Aji Alese came off at half time last weekend after sustaining a knock in the first half against Stoke City. The defender has since been ruled out for the rest of the season with a thigh injury.
An unnamed player also picked up a muscle knock in training late this week, with Mowbray describing him an ‘important’ player.
Dennis Cirkin picked up a concussion against Millwall last month and remains unavailable with the after effects from this.
Elsewhere, Elliot Embleton, Ross Stewart and Corry Evans remain out with longer-term injuries with all three unlikely to feature again this season.
Predicted XI
Patterson (GK)
Hume
Batth
Ballard
O’Nien
Clarke
Michut
Ba
Pritchard
Roberts
Bennette
Mowbray may change to a three at the back system this weekend to tighten up gaps at the back and explore another avenue of scoring.
Dan Neil looks jaded and hasn’t been at his best for sometime so a rest would do him good. Edouard Michut and Abdoullah Ba would bring energy to Sunderland’s midfield, however Pierre Ekwah may be given the nod due to his physical presence.
Joe Gelhardt has struggled through no fault of his own, but it certainly wouldn’t harm to bring Jewison Bennette in to try and stretch Norwich City’s defence and get in behind.
Danny Batth and Dan Ballard both look a bit tired, but with hardly any suitable replacements, Luke O’Nien coming in next to them would offer a bit more protection compared to last weekend.
The game kicks off at 12:00 on Sunday and will be shown live on Sky Sports Football.