Why Sunderland's defensive issues could lead to a change in style as Lee Johnson weighs up key calls

Sunderland's defensive issues could force a slight change in style as the Black Cats look to build on a positive week at Burton Albion.
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A calf injury to Bailey Wright left Lee Johnson without a recognised centre-half for the second half of the Papa John's Trophy win over Lincoln City earlier this week.

With three defensive players playing out of position, Sunderland's formation took on a far more fluid approach in possession.

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Wright is rated '50/50' for the game at the Pirelli Stadium and so there is a chance that O'Nien or McLaughlin could have to continue in an unfamiliar position.

Luke O'Nien may have to continue in his role at centre-back depending on Bailey Wright's recoveryLuke O'Nien may have to continue in his role at centre-back depending on Bailey Wright's recovery
Luke O'Nien may have to continue in his role at centre-back depending on Bailey Wright's recovery

Dion Sanderon is expected to return after being cup tied for the midweek win.

"We might have to look at our philosophy a little bit with the situation and adapt it," Johnson said.

"Almost become more total football rather than that counter-pressing side that we currently are.

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"We've got a focus on the ball obviously but our bigger focus is off the ball, really," he added.

The reason for that is so that we're able to give our forward players as much artistic licence and as much energy as high up the pitch as possible.

"So it's an offensive mindset, but it means there is a lot of defensive protocol.

"At times we actually got that wrong against Lincoln and there were times where I wasn't happy in the first half, where the opposition had too much time to build.

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"However, on the ball, especially if you're playing full-backs/central midfielders at centre half, there are different patterns of play and movements [you can achieve].

"You saw some examples of that on Wednesday where Luke was able to really drive out with the ball and became almost an attacking threat. You have Grant Leadbitter then who just sort of becomes that covering player while one centre-half protects the space behind.

"Really what you're trying to do is accentuate the attributes of any individual, and at the moment for us that means having to be really fluid.

"The positive of that is we've got two results and the boys are going into the next one with a lot of belief."

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Burton Albion sit bottom of the League One table but have seen their form improve considerably since Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink took over, with three wins from their last four games.

"I think it's a really tough fixture and Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink has really got them going,” Johnson said.

"I thought when he left QPR it was a bit early and a bit harsh, and he’s back at Burton where he did an exceptional job before.

"I’ve watched some of their recent games and you can see in their performances that it’s going to be a really difficult game for us.

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"They've players there that I know well from having looked at them at previous clubs, but also Jonny Smith who they signed from Bristol City.

"I like them and think they're a good side. I think the league table in the short run is a bit false.”

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