It is fair to say that Sunderland’s team announcement on Sunday will be the most eagerly anticipated of the season so far. Not just because of the obvious magnitude of the game against Newcastle United, but because so many players are big injury doubts heading into the contest.
Sunderland have understandably kept their cards very close to their chest this week on the injury front, though Régis Le Bris will offer some level of update in his pre-match press conference on Friday afternoon. It makes predicting the starting XI and the bench a tricky task, but here’s our early look at how it might play out...
17. Sub - Dennis Cirkin
Will likely keep his place in the squad with Le Bris needing additional defensive cover in Ballard's absence. | AFP via Getty Images
18. Sub -Jocelin Ta Bi
The winger has been preferred to Bertrand Traore for the last fortnight. | Getty Images
19. Sub - Bertrand Traore
The winger will likely return to the squad for the first time since the Leeds win given Talbi's injury, and could make his last appearance for the club with his contract currently set to expire this summer | Steve Welsh/PA Wire
20. Sub - Harrison Jones
If Alderete is ruled out then Jones will likely return to the matchday squad | Getty Images