Sunderland return to the Stadium of Light to take on Louis Van Gaal’s Manchester United in the early kick-off on Saturday. The Black Cats come into the game on the back of an impressive 2-2 draw against Liverpool last weekend, whilst United drew 1-1 with Chelsea last Sunday.
The Black Cats will be looking to register a win with games running out as they look to escape the drop zone.
Here is our predicted starting XI for Saturday:
Vito Mannone
The Italian will likely keep his spot in goal despite pressure from Jordan Pickford.
DeAndre Yedlin
Billy Jones has played himself out of the team with a string of awful performances. The American must take his first-team chance, and I am expecting a good display from the youngster.
John O'Shea
The skipper is forming a good partnership with Lamine Kone and the two are likely to start against United.
Lamine Kone
Sunderland’s best bit of business in January in my opinion. He has been a rock since joining the club.
Patrick Van Aanholt
The Dutchman has improved his defensive work and will need to be at his best against the lively Jesse Lingard.
Yann M'Vila
It will be M’Vila’s job to handle either Juan Mata or Wayne Rooney, and if anyone is up to the task in the Sunderland squad it’s him.
Jack Rodwell
Lee Cattermole has had a tough time as of late and I expect him to drop to the bench tomorrow. Rodwell has been patient for his chance and hopefully, he can start proving his worth.
Wahbi Khazri
If Sunderland are to get anything out of the game on Saturday, Khazri will be the catalyst.
Fabio Borini
The Black Cats are short in attack, with Steven Fletcher and Danny Graham leaving on loan, and Adam Johnson getting sacked.
Borini will be desperate to return to goalscoring form and will see tomorrow as an ideal opportunity.
Dame N'Doye
The Senegalese international deserves a chance in the starting XI and I think Sam will give him that chance tomorrow in a 4-4-2 formation.
Jermain Defoe
Another goal from Defoe would be ideal. The Englishman has 6 goals in 6 games and is Sunderland’s best chance of a goal.