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 @RadSunderland 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 Manchester United in the Barclays Premier League.
Alex Finch (4-3-3): Pantilimon, Jones, O’Shea, Kaboul, Yedlin; M’Vila, Cattermole, Rodwell, Lens, Toivonen, Borini,
Following the midweek defeat to City and the manner in which the team lost I’ve gone for a slight change in the system. After a promising debut in defence, DeAndre Yedlin replaces Van Aanholt for me after a string of substandard performances from the Dutchman. With the upcoming fixture in mind. I’ve gone with three fairly defensive-minded midfielders where Rodwell would be the most advanced of the three. The defensive frailties this season are there for all to see and with a visit to Old Trafford to come focus needs to be on solidifying from the back.Toivonen has done enough to warrant a place in the starting eleven since his arrival, the big Swede’s presence could prompt a new look into how the team sets up and how to deal with an in-form United side. With pacey wingers either side of him, Sunderland could set up to counter with great effect.
Joe Rowell (4-2-3-1): Pantilimon; Jones, Rodwell, O’Shea, Yedlin; Cattermole, M’Vila; Johnson, Toivonen, Lens; Borini. Advocaat has explained that he’s thought of using Rodwell as a centre-back, which may not work, but something needs to change so why not. Yedlin was solid when attacking and better than van Aanholt defensively, so deserves a chance in the league. After a bright second half against City, Cattermole deserves the chance to play alongside M’Vila. Borini looked sharp up top against City, so should play ahead of Defoe after his poor misses so far this season.
Chris Sparks (4-3-3): Pantilimon; Jones, Rodwell, O’Shea, Yedlin; Cattermole, M’Vila, Toivonen; Lens, Borini, Fletcher.
I’ve gone for three changes to the side that were well beaten by City in midweek, with Cattermole, Jones and Fletcher replacing Van Aanholt, Johnson and Rodwell. Cattermole contributed a lot more in the second half in midweek and offered some protection to a vulnerable defence, which will be necessary when handling the in-form Martial on Saturday.
Yedlin for Van Aanholt is a like-for-like swap, except hopefully, the American is better than the Dutchman defensively. A spell on the sidelines for Van Aanholt is good for him and the team, with the left back’s confidence at an all time low. Up top, I have gone for Fletcher, simply for his aerial presence against a makeshift United defence. Defoe is 50/50 with a hamstring issue and Borini is much better out wide to help defensively in my opinion.
