Our predicted Sunderland team to face Watford at the Stadium of Light in the Championship.
Sunderland are preparing to face Watford at the Stadium of Light – but who will start for The Black Cats?
Tony Mowbray’s side got back to winning ways with a convincing 3-0 win at Sheffield Wednesday on Friday night, courtesy of Dan Ballard’s header and two goals from Jack Clarke.
Sunderland still have several players unavailable due to injury setbacks, yet some first-team members could return against The Hornets.
Here’s our predicted Sunderland XI to face Watford at the Stadium of Light
1. GK: Anthony Patterson
The Sunderland keeper recorded his third clean sheet of the season in the win over Sheffield Wednesday, when he was forced to make a late save to keep out George Byers’ header.
2. RB: Trai Hume
Hume has started every league game for Sunderland at right-back this season and linked up well with Patrick Roberts on the flank against Sheffield Wednesday.
3. CB: Luke O’Nien
The centre-back received plenty of time on the ball against Sheffield Wednesday and completed 90 of his 93 attempted passes (according to Wyscout).
4. CB: Dan Ballard
Ballard netted his second goal of the season against Sheffield Wednesday as he headed home Alex Pritchard’s corner to open the scoring.
5. LB: Niall Huggins
After his constant injury setbacks, Huggins has now started Sunderland’s last four league games at left-back and is looking more comfortable in the role
6. CM: Dan Neil
Neil has enjoyed a fine start to the season, while dropping back into a deeper midfield role following Pierre Ekwah’s injury setback.
7. CM: Jobe Bellingham
The teenager has moved into a central midfield role due to Ekwah’s injury and adjusted well in recent weeks. Ekwah may return to the squad against Watord but may not be ready to start the game.
8. RW: Patrick Roberts
Roberts returned to Sunderland’s starting XI against Sheffield Wednesday after starting three games on the bench following a hamstring issue.
9. CAM: Alex Pritchard
The playmaker has started Sunderland’s last three matches after coming close to leaving the club over the summer.
10. LW: Jack Clarke
Clarke is now the Championship’s joint top scorer, along with Southampton’s Adam Armstrong, after scoring twice in the win over Sheffield Wednesday.
11. ST: Mason Burstow
The Chelsea loanee produced his best performance in a Sunderland shirt against Sheffield Wednesday, assisting Clarke for the side’s second goal before winning a penalty.
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