Our projected Sunderland lineup for their Championship clash against Sheffield Wednesday at the Stadium of Light.
Sunderland gears up for their last Championship fixture against Sheffield Wednesday, but the question remains: who will make the starting lineup for Mike Dodds’ team? Despite a recent 1-0 loss to Watford, the Black Cats aim to finish the season strongly. Meanwhile, Sheffield Wednesday, buoyed by consecutive wins over Blackburn and West Brom, are poised to secure their Championship status with just a point needed at the Stadium of Light. Below is our projected Sunderland XI for the encounter against the Owls.
1. Goalkeeper: Anthony Patterson.
Similar to last season, Patterson has featured in every Championship fixture this year. Sunderland aims to retain their academy graduate amid interest from Premier League clubs monitoring the 23-year-old’s development.
2. Right Back: Trai Hume.
Following a bench appearance against Millwall, Hume returned to Sunderland’s starting lineup against Watford, operating as a wing-back. The 22-year-old may start on the right side of a back four if Dodds decides to alter the team’s shape.
3. Center Back: Luke O’Nien.
O’Nien has been a consistent presence in Sunderland’s league games this season, starting 42 matches and assuming the captaincy for most of the campaign.
4. Center Back: Dan Ballard.
Despite facing multiple injury setbacks last season, Ballard has been a pivotal figure in Sunderland’s defense, featuring in 42 league games this season.
5. Left Back: Aji Alese.
Despite enduring several injury setbacks, Alese has started the team’s last two matches. The defender aims to benefit from a full pre-season ahead of the upcoming term.
6. Central Midfielder: Pierre Ekwah.
With Dan Neil sidelined due to an ankle injury, Ekwah has been deployed in a deeper midfield role. Sunderland seeks to bolster midfield competition for the next season.
7. Central Midfielder: Callum Styles.
Styles, primarily a midfielder for Barnsley, joined Sunderland on loan in January. The Black Cats have the option to purchase the Hungarian international this summer as they evaluate their options.
8. Right Winger: Chris Rigg.
At just 16 years old, Rigg has featured in Sunderland’s last five matches, operating on the right flank. The teenager’s impressive form has kept Patrick Roberts out of the starting lineup in recent weeks.
9. Central Attacking Midfielder: Adil Aouchiche.
Aouchiche was tasked with leading the line against Watford, a role that didn’t suit him well. The Frenchman may revert to his preferred number 10 position against Sheffield Wednesday.
10. Left Winger: Jack Clarke.
Since returning from an ankle injury, Clarke hasn’t regained his top form. However, the 23-year-old aims to finish the season strongly and add to his tally of 15 league goals.
11. Striker: Jobe Bellingham.
Bellingham temporarily dropped into a midfield role against Watford but may feature upfront if Styles is selected in midfield.