Predicted Sunderland Line-up To Face Middlesbrough In The EFL Championship

Sunderland have now taken what for me is an unfortunate, but very necessary step by parting company with manager Simon Grayson in the wake of their 3-3 home draw with Bolton Wanderers, the only side who were below them before kick-off on Tuesday.

The Geordie influence on Bolton’s goals and performance was probably always going to happen but it kind of rubbed a bit of salt in some of Sunderland’s many open wounds and Black Cats fans would probably like to think that was the low point of their season.

Time will tell, although a Tees-Wear derby defeat wouldn’t exactly do a lot for morale. The game will be a struggle though but naturally, some changes to the line-up will be anticipated. Sunderland have appointed a joint management team for this game vs Middlesbrough.

We’ll take a stab at a standard 4-4-2 formation here:

Team News

Jonny Williams and Billy Jones are doubtful, while Tyias Browning and Josh Maja are set to miss out for Sunderland.

Formation: 4-4-2

GK – Robbin Ruiter

The pre-season free signing may yet get the chance to make a proper impact in this team and at this level.

RB – Adam Matthews

Getting up and down the line will be important at the weekend and Matthews’ attacking play will be every bit as important as his defensive work if Sunderland are to avoid defeat.

CB – John O’Shea

Players going backwards from big clubs are almost always a bad idea, but for now, an all ex-Man United central defensive pairing is expected.

CB – Paddy McNair

May well be capable of better and can possibly help to influence an improvement in Sunderland’s form at the back.

LB – Bryan Oviedo

Like Matthews, he will need to be influential going forward and not just stay solid at the back.

RW – Duncan Watmore

Didn’t start at home to Bolton but probably deserves to come back in at the expense of McManaman.

CM – Darron Gibson

The ex-Everton man, despite his own protestations about fellow players in the summer, doesn’t really inspire a lot of confidence but may well play again.

CM – Didier Ndong

Needs to lead from the midfield with a powerful performance here if his side are to avoid defeat.

LW – Aiden McGeady

Did very well at Preston last season and is capable of so much better.  His accuracy from the wing could be vital here for the strikers to feed on something.

ST – James Vaughan

Could come back in now to partner the prolific Grabban up front as he’s done so far this season.

ST – Lewis Grabban

The former Bournemouth and Reading forward has scored 3 goals in his last 2 games and another strike here could prove very valuable.