It has been a long wait for Sunderland fans but their team finally returns to action when they travel to face Hull City on Sunday afternoon.
Tim Walter’s side fell to a heavy defeat against Norwich City last time out but won their three games previous to that and so are not to be taken lightly. Regis Le Bris is hopeful of getting some big injury boosts for the game, and is set to given an update when he speaks to the media at his press conference on Friday lunchtime. In the meantime, here’s how we think he might go with his starting XI and bench...
5. LB - Dennis Cirkin
Having a superb campaign so far and no doubt over his place in the team. Only slight reservation would be over fatigue and his workload but right now has very little competition. | Ian Horrocks
6. CM - Dan Neil
With Salis Abdul Samed still sidelined he's almost certain to continue all the way to the end of this busy week of fixtures. Photo: Frank Reid
7. CM - Alan Browne
Looks set for another opportunity to impress in midfield amid Jobe Bellingham's ongoing absence through suspension. | Ian Horrocks
8. CM - Chris Rigg
Played ninety minutes in midweek but with midfield options light he will almost certainly have to go again here. Now undoubtedly one of Sunderland's most dangerous players in possession. | Getty Images