The Sunderland team that could start against Lincoln City in the play-off second leg - with THREE key changes
Sunderland boss Lee Johnson will be weighing-up changes for the second leg of the club’s play-off semi-final against Lincoln City – but could this be the team he names?
The Black Cats fell to a 2-0 defeat in the first leg at Sincil Bank as goals from Tom Hopper and Brennan Johnson left the side with an uphill battle in the second leg.
And fans are keen to see some changes for the return fixture, with Sunderland in need of goals if they are to seal a spot in the Wembley final.
The selection decision will be complicated by the injuries sustained by Denver Hume and Conor McLaughlin, with add to the club’s defensive injury woes – so what team could Johnson name?
Our writer Mark Donnelly has picked his side for the clash, and is going for changes in both personnel and shape to a 3-4-3 ahead of a season-defining fixture at the Stadium of Light:
1. GK: Lee Burge
The stopper didn't have his best game at Sincil Bank, but is still Sunderland's preferred option between the sticks. It would be a surprise if he didn't start at the Stadium of Light. Photo: FRANK REID 2020
2. CB: Luke O'Nien
Deployed as a right-back in the first leg, a switch to three at the back could see the versatile O'Nien once again asked to play as a central defender. Photo: FRANK REID 2020
3. CB: Bailey Wright
Wright is likely to start at the back regardless of what shape Sunderland opt for, with few other options given the club's current injury situation. Photo: Stu Forster
4. CB: Tom Flanagan
While he struggled in the second half at Lincoln, a switch to three at the back would mean Flanagan would have to be used - despite only recently returning from injury. Photo: Frank Reid