Sunderland travel to Wales on Wednesday night to take on Swansea City in a crucial relegation six-pointer. Sam Allardyce’s side won their last league tie against Aston Villa whilst Swansea lost to Manchester United. Both sides crashed out of the FA Cup last weekend too, with the Black Cats losing to Arsenal whereas Swansea lost to Oxford in a five-goal thriller.
New Sunderland signing Jan Kirchoff isn’t expected to feature, whilst Swansea midfielder Jonjo Shelvey is set to sit out as he closes in on a £12-million move to Newcastle United.
Here is our predicted Sunderland XI vs Swansea City:
Vito Mannone
The Italian will start on Wednesday as confirmed by Sam Allardyce following the FA Cup defeat on Saturday.
Billy Jones
The defender made a horrific cameo in the defeat to Arsenal, although it was in a rather unorthodox centre-back position. I expect DeAndre Yedlin to drop to the bench to make way for Jones in order to add some steel to the defence.
Wes Brown
John O’Shea is a major doubt with a calf strain so I expect Allardyce to replace the Irishman with Wes Brown who has impressed in his last few outings. Sunderland need experience at the back in this huge game, and they don’t come with more experience than Wes Brown.
Sebastian Coates
New signing Jan Kirchoff is expected to make his debut on Saturday rather than tomorrow, therefore, Coates keeps his place by default.
Patrick Van Aanholt
Sunderland fans will be hoping the Van Aanholt against Aston Villa turns up tomorrow rather than the one against Arsenal. Let’s wait and see…
Yann M'Vila
Sunderland’s Mr Reliable will no doubt be playing tomorrow and he will play a huge part if the side is to claim a vital three points.
Lee Cattermole
The midfielder will be the first name on the teamsheet
Jeremain Lens
The Dutchman impressed in a more central role on Saturday and hopefully, Big Sam gives him the nod over Ola Toivonen and Adam Johnson tomorrow.
Duncan Watmore
Despite looking fatigued as of late, I expect Watmore to start tomorrow. Although he could do with a rest, Sunderland simply have no suitable alternative.
Fabio Borini
The Italian will be looking to add to his two goals this season against his former club.
Jermain Defoe
Defoe bagged two the last time he played and hopefully he can go on a little goalscoring run for Sunderland, something we haven’t seen yet from the former Spurs man in red and white.