Sam Allardyce recently voiced his anger at “diabolical fixture schedule” and how it is “harming both players and supporters” in a recent press conference, therefore, could mean that the F.A Cup tie on Saturday against Arsenal could subsequently be a chance to rest the senior players and enable him to utilise a few players from the U21 squad. The U21 side currently occupy top spot by an impressive 10 points in their division, so it is a chance worth taking for Big Sam; here are the 3 players that I think are likely to feature.
1 – Jordan Pickford
The player most likely to be on the team sheet from the development squad is Goalkeeper Jordan Pickford, the young Englishman was recently recalled from his loan spell at Preston following a very impressive stint with the Championship side, totalling 13 clean sheets in 27 games. Both Costel Pantilimon and Vito Mannone haven’t cemented a place between the sticks at the Stadium of Light and I wouldn’t be surprised to see one of the two leaving the club this window, as a result, the game at Arsenal could undeniably give Pickford the chance to impress Allardyce and become a potential candidate for the number 1 spot.
2 – Tom Beadling
Another youngster who could force his way into the starting XI at the Emirates this weekend is Tom Beadling, who has been training with the first-team squad over the Christmas period. The Sunderland defence has been a shambles as of late and with recent injury concerns for the likes of John O’Shea and Younes Kaboul, there is a possibility of him starting in the backline on Saturday. Furthermore, the possibility could be even stronger if Big Sam reverts to playing 3 centre-halves too, as this would give another option for Allardyce to choose from, and like I said before, there isn’t really much on offer, so he may have to rely on Tom Beadling to fill a spot. Beadling was heavily involved in Advocaat’s pre-season plans but an injury halted is progress and he returned in November, maybe a solid performance this weekend against the title contenders could put him back in the fray of first-team football.
3 – Thomas Robson
The third and final U21 player that could get a start this weekend is full-back Thomas Robson. Robson is rated highly in the development squad and very recently signed a new 2-year-contract to start off 2016. The youngster could fill in at left-back in place of Patrick van Aanholt, seeing as though there is no other out-and-out left-sided defender in the squad. PvA has had his critics thus far during the season but no-one has challenged his place; however, he could be rested with the Swansea game on the horizon which is just 4 days after this cup-tie. Robson will be eager to impress if he claims a start on Saturday.
