After a fortnight away for the international break, Sunderland will return to action on November 23rd with a tricky visit to in-form Millwall.
The Black Cats drew three on the bounce heading into the break, squandering a two-goal lead against Coventry City in their most recent outing. By contrast, their upcoming hosts had won four on the bounce prior to a 1-1 draw with Stoke City last time out, and haven’t lost a game in the Championship since October 1st.
But despite their recent stumbles, Sunderland still sit top of the table heading into the next leg of the campaign, and will be looking to build on their impressive start against a Millwall side who have dragged themselves into play-off contention in recent weeks.
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If Regis Le Bris is to guide his team to victory, however, he will have to do so without a number of key players. Influential trio Trai Hume, Patrick Roberts, and Jobe Bellingham are all suspended for the trip to The Den, while question marks remain over the fitness of several other big names, including Romaine Mundle and Alan Browne.
With that in mind, here’s how we think Sunderland could line up in the capital, including their full bench. Check out the gallery below...
5. RWB: Tommy Watson
With Trai Hume and Patrick Roberts suspended, Sunderland have a big call to make on their right flank. Watson does prefer to play out on the left, but Le Bris has started him on the opposite wing before, and could do so again against Millwall. This would be far from ideal, but the Black Cats aren't exactly blessed with viable alternatives. | Frank Reid
6. LWB: Dennis Cirkin
Arguably Sunderland's best player this season, he will start whenever available. | Getty Images
7. CM: Dan Neil
The base of Sunderland's midfield, there is a likelihood that he will have to operate without Alan Browne in front of him after the Irishman was taken off injured during the recent draw with Coventry City. | Frank Reid
8. CM: Chris Rigg
Withdrawn from England's youth setup this international break to ensure that he is ready for Millwall, Rigg's role takes on even more significance when you consider Jobe Bellingham's ongoing three-match suspension. Thankfully, the trip to The Den will be the last game that Sunderland have to battle through without the midfielder. | Getty Images