What Sunderland team might Michael Beale pick for the Championship game at Huddersfield
Sunderland have built a little momentum over the last three matches, and they head to Huddersfield hoping to maintain it.
The Black Cats had to come from behind to beat Plymouth last week, but in the end they did it in some style.
Michael Beale has plenty of options, and with the trip to Yorkshire being the third game in a week, he will surely be tempted to use them.
So, let’s try to have a go at predicting the Sunderland line-up for the game against Huddersfield.
Sunderland predicted line-up vs Huddersfield (4-3-3)
GK: Anthony Patterson – Might be a little bit disappointed with Plymouth’s goal last week but his place in the side is safe as houses
RB: Trai Hume – Beale described the Northern Irishman as ‘the complete full-back’ this week. A cert to start the game if fit.
CB: Luke O’Nien – Been exceptional lately. Jenson Seelt is waiting for a chance, but you’re not dropping O’Nien right now voluntarily.
CB: Dan Ballard – Still just one yellow card away from a two-match suspension
LB: Leo Hjelde – Struggled in the first half against Plymouth but much improved after the break and no real alternatives to call on either right now.
CM: Dan Neil – Looking like one of the best midfielders in the Championship right now. He was the one from the regular central midfield three not to be rested against Plymouth, but can you really see Sunderland team without him right now?
CM: Pierre Ekwah – Came off after an hour against Plymouth so fair to assume he will start against Huddersfield. Otherwise, why bother?
CM: Jobe Bellingham – Rested to such good effect last week that he came off the bench to score a lovely goal. Fully expecting him restored to the starting line-up at The John Smith’s Stadium.
RW: Abdoullah Ba – It appears to be a straight choice between Ba and Patrick Roberts, and Beale this week said Roberts’ minutes would be closely managed after injury.
CF: Nazariy Rusyn – Part of me has a sneaky suspicion we’ll see Mason Burstow or Luis Hemir lead the line for this one, but there’s little question that Rusyn deserves a run in the team.
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