Sunderland welcome Plymouth Argyle to the Stadium of Light this weekend, and it feels like there is a fair amount riding on it.
The win against Stoke felt like a relief, the draw against Middlesbrough steadying the ship. A win against Plymouth, therefore, would put Sunderland on a good run with momentum. Fail to win it, and pressure will likely start building again.
That all means that Michael Beale has some decisions to make in forward areas. The defence and midfield probably just about picks itself at this point, and obviously Jack Clarke does too.
What about the other two positions, though? Stick with Abdoullah Ba and Mason Burstow? Bring back Patrick Roberts? Start Nazariy Rusyn? Perhaps even give Luis Hemir a chance?
Let’s try to have a go at predicting what side Beale will pick.
Sunderland predicted line-up vs Plymouth (4-3-3)
GK: Anthony Patterson: One of the ‘if he’s available, he starts’ players.
RB: Trai Hume: Hume reverted to his preferred role of right-back against Middlesbrough and, more than anyone, seemed to relish the new instructions to rain crosses into the box.
CB: Luke O’Nien: Another fine performance at Middlesbrough and surely now even making his most ardent of doubters consider a rethink.
