Sunderland predicted XI vs Norwich: Bellingham and Burstow dropped
Sunderland are preparing to host Norwich City in their first home since the 4-0 thrashing by Middlesbrough.
The Black Cats have now endured three defeats in a row and find themselves 10th in the Championship, despite a brilliant run earlier in the season.
Tony Mowbray‘s side need to claim all three points this weekend if they are to quickly turn things around and get back on track, while Norwich are also without a win in their last four matches.
Fans can most likely expect an open game on Wearside, with the Canaries having conceded the most goals in the second tier (24), while only Leicester and Ipswich Town have scored more (24).
We are expecting Mowbray to make a couple of changes after the midweek loss.
Here is our predicted XI…
Anthony Patterson was absolutely ‘outstanding’ against Leicester and was named Sky Sports’ Man of the Match, despite Sunderland losing the game. The goalkeeper will undoubtedly retain his place in the starting line-up.
Despite Dennis Cirkin returning to the bench last time out, Mowbray is likely to stick with the same defence that lined up at the King Power Stadium. Niall Huggins has impressed since coming in and it would be harsh to drop him already.
Dan Neil was also excellent against Leicester and is now one of the first names on the team-sheet, while Pierre Ekwah also keeps his spot in the midfield.
Jobe Bellingham was far from his best against the Foxes and could be handed a rest after starting every game so far, with Alex Pritchard coming in to reunite with his former club.
Jack Clarke hasn’t been quite as an impressive in Sunderland’s last two games, but there is no chance he won’t be in the line-up as he looks to add to his eight goals. Patrick Roberts will also line up on the right after a quality display on Tuesday.
It’s difficult to know whether Mowbray will stick with Mason Burstow, but I have tipped Nazariy Rusyn to come in instead. Burstow is yet to score a goal and a change needs to be made, while Mowbray clearly isn’t a fan of Hemir.
You can also expect Eliezer Mayenda to earn a spot among the substitutes and could make his debut on Wearside.
Our predicted XI: Patterson; Hume, Ballard, O’Nien, Huggins; Ekwah, Neil, Pritchard; Roberts, Clarke, Rusyn
