Each week before every Sunderland game, you along with a few representatives from Read Sunderland will decide who they would choose to grace the pitch for the Black Cats and why.
Think yours is better than any of ours? Tweet @ReadSunderland your XI in the days leading up to the next game and you might be the first to be picked to have your say on Read Sunderland. Below is Read Sunderland’s XI vs Bournemouth for this Saturday’s premier league clash.
Ryan Groves (4-3-3) Pantilimon, Jones, O’Shea, Kaboul, Van Aanholt, M’Vila, Rodwell, Toivonen, Watmore, Lens, Defoe.
I’m going for two changes and a surprise in the team sheet, with young Duncan Watmore getting his first premier league start. The England under-21 international is fully deserving of his chance and should get a good 60-70 minutes under his belt. The introduction of Fabio Borini from the bench will give Sunderland extra in the closing stages too.
Elsewhere, Jack Rodwell comes in for Jordi Gomez who struggled against Tottenham last week. Rodwell will add height and physicality to the Sunderland midfield and will hopefully provide a cutting edge in the game.
Joe Rowell (4-2-3-1) Pantillimon, Jones, O’Shea, Kaboul, Van Aanholt, Rodwell, M’Villa, Lens, Toivonen, Borini, Defoe.
I would play a very similar team to the Spurs defeat, with the only change being Rodwell. Defensively we were very good until the substitutions were made in which Cattermole failing to track Mason’s run cost us a goal yet again this season. Attacking wise again were very good with all three front players in Defoe, Lens and Borini looking comfortable with each other, and interchanging positions very well. In addition, Toivonen playing as the second striker, supporting Defoe was excellent.
However, as good as Gomez’ comeback was, I just don’t think Bournemouth will suit his style of play. Bournemouth will play fast attacking football, and Gomez’, with his lack of pace and physical presence, will be bullied. This is why I have gone for Rodwell, hoping that with his physical presence and tackling ability, in addition to his attacking ability, he will help up control the game as much as possible.
Chris Sparks (4-3-3) Pantilimon, Yedlin, O’Shea, Kaboul, Van Aanholt, M’Vila, Rodwell, Toivonen, Borini, Defoe, Lens.
Two changes for me with Rodwell and Yedlin replacing Gomez and Jones. Yedlin is an unknown quantity, even to Advocaat, and may be a hidden gem. However, it may be harsh on Billy Jones to drop him after the former West Brom man put in his best performance of the season against Spurs.
I would also include Rodwell into the midfield. A midfield three of Rodwell, M’Vila and Toivonen is full of physicality and skill which is what the Black Cats will need against a determined Bournemouth side who maybe lack the quality.
Here are some of your suggested XI’s…
@ReadSunderland @ReadSunderland Pantilimon, Jones, O'Shea (c), Kaboul, van Aanholt, M'Vila, Rodwell, Lens, Toivonen, Borini, Defoe
— Patryk (@JustPatryk18) September 15, 2015
https://twitter.com/amcguire63/status/643906740266893312
@ReadSunderland Pantilimon, Jones, O'Shea (c), Kaboul, van Aanholt, M'Vila, Gomez, Lens, Toivonen, Borini, Defoe
— Chris 🇪🇺 (@f1since08) September 15, 2015
