This is the Sunderland XI Lee Johnson could turn to as Papa John's Trophy group stage comes to a close
By Phil Smith
Published 9th Nov 2021, 08:00 BST
Updated 9th Nov 2021, 08:13 BST
It's a game you suspect both sides could probably do without, all things considered.
Like Sunderland, Bradford City have expectations of winning promotion from their division and the Papa John's Trophy is well down their list of priorities.
So much so, in fact, that two games have yielded no points and as such, they cannot qualify for the next round.
Sunderland are already through, thanks to two excellent performances from two very youthful sides.
It will be the same again at the Stadium of Light, with Lee Johnson likely to deploy only a handful of senior players.
There will be some minutes for those short of match fitness, and he will hope that a bright display can help to build some positive momentum ahead of the visit of Ipswich Town on Saturday week.
Though the league form is clearly the club's biggest priority at the moment, it's another chance for a promising group of U23 players to further underline the progress they are making.
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Sunderland are already through, thanks to two excellent performances from two very youthful sides.
9. CAM - STEPHEN WEARNE
Wearne's form in the U23 side, allied with a strong Papa John's campaign so far, has pushed him into the group of players who are closest to breaking into Johnson's plans on a more regular basis.
A talented number ten he fits perfectly into the formation used most often by Johnson so far this season, and it would be a major surprise if he did not have significant involvement in this final group game. Photo: FRANK REID 2021
Produced one of Sunderland's rare moments of quality on Saturday but when he beat his marker and crossed for Nathan Broadhead, but that he was withdrawn at the break told you Johnson felt it was all too fleeting.
The winger clearly has the quality to make an impact and has shown it, but will be looking for more consistency on and off the ball.
His involvement here will depend on international commitments (he was a late call up to the Germany youth system last time around). Photo: FRANK REID 2021
Broadhead is unlikely to play the full game after completing 90 for the first time since his hamstring injury in late September. The striker said at the weekend he hopes to have some involvement, though, as he builds towards match fitness and hopefully a return to the starting XI in League One.
He will likely share the striking load with Will Harris. Photo: COPYRIGHT (C) FRANK REID 20187
Carney has impressed since suffering a hand injury in the early stages of his Wearside career and seems likely to be promoted to the senior group for this one. Photo: FRANK REID 2021