Sunderland are preparing for their Championship match against Plymouth Argyle - but who will start for Michael Beale’s side?
The Black Cats came from behind to draw 1-1 with Middlesbrough last weekend, with Nazariy Rusyn scoring a late equaliser at the Riverside. That result leaves Sunderland one point off a play-off place with 16 league games remaining this season.
Plymouth start the weekend 15th in the table following back-to-back league wins over Cardiff and Swansea, yet they were beaten 4-1 by Leeds in the FA Cup on Tuesday.
Here’s our predicted Sunderland team to face the Pilgrims:
9. CAM: Jobe Bellingham
Bellingham continues to operate in an advanced midfield position in a 4-2-3-1 or 4-3-3 system. While Adil Aouchiche could come into the side, the Frenchman played 90 minutes for Sunderland’s under-21s team on Monday. Photo: Frank Reid
10. LW: Jack Clarke
Clarke once again showed his importance against Middlesbrough, assisting Rusyn’s late equaliser while posing a real threat in the closing stages. Photo: Frank Reid
11. ST: Nazariy Rusyn -
Rusyn came off the bench, replacing Mason Burstow, and scored his second league goal of the season to earn Sunderland a point. The forward’s impact should give him a good chance of being recalled to the starting XI. Photo: Frank Reid