Sunderland were rocked by the news on Friday morning that manager Alex Neil was travelling to Stoke City to talk with the club about their managerial vacancy.
The timing could not be much worse for the Black Cats, who have started the new season in impressive fashion and face Norwich City at home in Saturday’s lunchtime kick-off in the Championship.
It is unclear whether they will go with Neil’s preferred lineup for the game against Dean Smith’s side, but here is how we feel Sunderland should line up against Norwich City.
After keeping a clean sheet and producing some impressive saves in the 1-0 win against Stoke – of all teams – last time out, Anthony Patterson keeps his place in between the sticks.
After coming on at half-time against the Potters, it seems likely that Bailey Wright will be re-introduced from the start against Norwich, and he will likely take the place of Luke O’Nien at centre-back alongside Danny Batth and Denis Cirkin. That would end the 27-year-old midfielder’s recent deputising at the back.
The game will likely come too soon for new signing Jewison Bennette, so Jack Clarke will probably keep his place on the left-hand side, with Lynden Gooch operating on the opposite flank.
Will Sunderland beat Norwich?
In midfield, Sunderland could go with the more experienced Corry Evans to help deal with the threat that Norwich pose. He should replace Jay Matete in midfield, as he did off the bench last weekend, as the Black Cats will need Evans’ midfield nous against the Canaries.
Even with the former Fleetwood man has being dubbed a “masterstroke” signing by Josh Bunting after his arrival on Wearside earlier this year, he may have to give way to the Northern Ireland international this afternoon.
Evans will likely be partnered in midfield by Elliot Embleton and the more advanced Alex Pritchard, both of whom look set to keep their places after featuring regularly of late.
Finally, there are no surprises in attack as Ellis Simms and Ross Stewart both start up front after hitting three goals each so far this season, and they will be crucial if Sunderland are to get anything from one of last season’s Premier League clubs at the Stadium of Light this lunchtime.
