Sunderland are preparing for their final Championship match of the season against Sheffield Wednesday - but who will start for Mike Dodds’ side?
The Black Cats were beaten 1-0 by Watford last time out and will be looking to end the campaign on a high. Wednesday have climbed out of the relegation zone following back-to-back wins over Blackburn and West Brom, meaning Danny Rohl’s side only need a point on Wearside to secure their Championship status next season.
Here’s our predicted Sunderland XI to face the Owls at the Stadium of Light:
Here’s our predicted Sunderland XI to face the Owls at the Stadium of Light:
![Alese has overcome multiple injury setbacks this season and started the side’s last two matches. The defender will be hoping to benefit from a full pre-season before kicking on next term.](https://www.sunderlandecho.com/webimg/b25lY21zOjE2NDVkM2VkLTE5ODQtNGFkOC05ODk0LWU2ZTRhZjJjNGI3NzphNDliZWViYS04N2Y1LTRkZDYtYWI0Zi02YmQ2YzI0ZDNlM2Q=.jpg?crop=3:2&width=640)
5. LB: Aji Alese
Alese has overcome multiple injury setbacks this season and started the side’s last two matches. The defender will be hoping to benefit from a full pre-season before kicking on next term. Photo: Frank Reid
![With Dan Neil sidelined with an ankle injury, Ekwah has been asked to play in a deeper midfield role. Sunderland will look to add more competition in the engine room ahead of next season.](https://www.sunderlandecho.com/webimg/b25lY21zOjBiZmIzNGRiLTNjNDgtNDNhOS05ZGRhLWE3NzRkYmY1MmQyNjozNDM3NDNkNi1lYzM1LTQxNzMtOGIyYy00MDVlNDAxNWQxZmI=.jpg?crop=3:2&width=640)
6. CM: Pierre Ekwah
With Dan Neil sidelined with an ankle injury, Ekwah has been asked to play in a deeper midfield role. Sunderland will look to add more competition in the engine room ahead of next season. Photo: Frank Reid
![Styles predominantly played in midfield for Barnsley, before signing for Sunderland on loan in January. The Black Cats have an option to buy the Hungarian international this summer and are assessing their options.](https://www.sunderlandecho.com/webimg/b25lY21zOjg5MDQ4Zjk0LTkwMzktNGRjNi1iODdhLTY3OGMxMjdlYTJkODo2MDhjZmNlNy1kMzYzLTQzY2QtOWY3Yi1hZjE1OTM4ZTA1ZmE=.jpg?crop=3:2&width=640)
7. CM: Callum Styles
Styles predominantly played in midfield for Barnsley, before signing for Sunderland on loan in January. The Black Cats have an option to buy the Hungarian international this summer and are assessing their options. Photo: Frank Reid
![Still only 16, Rigg has started Sunderland’s last five matches, operating on the right flank. The teenager’s form has kept Patrick Roberts out of the starting XI in recent weeks.](https://www.sunderlandecho.com/webimg/b25lY21zOmM4YWZiNTI2LTQ4MGQtNDI3OS1iZjMzLTFlZTJjMDg0NjA0NjowYzM2NzJmNS0zNzY2LTQ1NjgtOWU0MS0yOGRjMTM4OWMzNmQ=.jpg?crop=3:2&width=640)
8. RW: Chris Rigg
Still only 16, Rigg has started Sunderland’s last five matches, operating on the right flank. The teenager’s form has kept Patrick Roberts out of the starting XI in recent weeks. Photo: Frank Reid