Sunderland are preparing to face Stoke City in the Championship – but who will start for Michael Beale’s side at the Stadium of Light?
The Black Cats will be hoping to bounce back following last week's chastening 1-0 defeat against Hull, when a section of the home fans turned on Beale. Sunderland are still just three points off a play-off place in the Championship and sit 10th after 28 matches. Stoke are eight points behind the Black Cats are 19th following a 2-1 defeat against Birmingham last time out.
Here’s our predicted Sunderland team to face the Potters:
1. GK: Anthony Patterson
The Sunderland keeper could do little about Hull’s winning goal last week as the ball took a big deflection following Fabio Carvalho’s strike. Photo: Frank Reid
2. RB: Timothee Pembele
Pembele has now made three appearances for the first team off the bench after returning from an injury setback and would provide a natural option at right-back. Photo: FRANK REID
3. CB: Dan Ballard
The 24-year-old centre-back made his 50th appearance for Sunderland last week and has become a key player in the heart of the Black Cats’ defence. Photo: Frank Reid
4. CB: Luke O’Nien
O’Nien dealt well with Hull forward Carvalho for most of the game last week and continues to captain the side. Photo: Frank Reid