Sunderland take on Tottenham Hotspur for their third game in seven days as the Black Cats look to build momentum. Last time out the Black Cats won 4-2 at Swansea thanks to a Jermain Defoe hat-trick, a player who will be facing his former club tomorrow.
Spurs lost 1-0 at home to high-flying Leicester City courtesy of a Robert Huth bullet header. The Londoners won the reverse fixture earlier in the season at the Stadium of Light 1-0 through a rare Ryan Mason goal, with the Black Cats having a poor record against Spurs in recent years.
With the Wearsiders hoping to change their fortunes against Tottenham, we predict the lineup for tomorrow’s lunchtime kick-off:
Jordan Pickford
I think Big Sam will give Pickford his first taste of Premier League action at White Hart Lane in place of Vito Mannone as they battle to hold the regular number 1 spot.
Billy Jones
With DeAndre Yedlin’s future in doubt Jones will keep his place in London.
John O'Shea
The captain will need to be at his best to deal with Harry Kane on Saturday.
Sebastian Coates
I highly doubt that Wes Brown can complete two games in three days so I expect Coates to come into the side ahead of new signing Jan Kirchoff.
Patrick Van Aanholt
After a superb display on Wednesday against Swansea, Sunderland fans have high hopes for PVA tomorrow.
Jack Rodwell
I think one of Lee Cattermole or Yann M’Vila will be dropped tomorrow in place of Rodwell who can add some fresh legs due to his lack of football in recent weeks.
Jeremain Lens
Lens deserves to keep his place and is starting to make that ‘number 10’ role his own in the Sunderland side.
Fabio Borini
The Italian is due a goal and hopefully he can get back to scoring ways tomorrow. He will need to perform better than against Swansea however.
Yann M'Vila
M’Vila is looking fatigued as of late but can you really drop the French International?
Adam Johnson
Two assists for Johnson on Wednesday will likely see the winger keep his position in the starting XI.
Jermain Defoe
Well, this is a no-brainer. 5 goals in 2 games including a hat-trick on Wednesday, Defoe is in the form of his life and will be looking to continue his scoring ways against his former club.