Sunderland’s under-21s side are preparing to face Reading in the semi-finals of Premier League 2 - but how will the young Black Cats line up at the Select Car Leasing Stadium?
Graeme Murty’s side came from behind three times against West Ham in the last eight, before winning 5-3 on penalties. Chris Rigg won’t be available for Sunderland, though, after the midfielder joined up with England’s under-17s squad for the European Under-17 Championship finals in Cyprus.
Here’s how Sunderland could line up against Reading on Monday:
5. LB: Oliver Bainbridge
Bainbridge has been one of the standout performers for Sunderland’s under-21s side this season, with the left-back earning a call-up to the senior side against QPR back in March. Photo: Chris Fryatt
6. CM: Marshall Burke
Burke missed Sunderland’s win over West Ham with a knock but could come back into the side in place of Rigg, who is away with England’s under-17s team. Photo: FRANK REID
7. CM: Ben Middlemas
Middlemas scored his first goal of the season as Sunderland came from behind to beat Wolves in the last 16 of the competition. The 19-year-old has started the side’s last six matches. Photo: Chris Fryatt
8. RW: Caden Kelly
After missing the start of this season with a hamstring injury, the 20-year-old has been in excellent form in recent months, scoring three goals and providing eight assists in 12 under-21s appearances this campaign. Photo: Chris Fryatt