Sunderland AFC’s Starting XI to Face Millwall Predicted After Triple Injury Blow and Defensive Crisis
Sunderland AFC is gearing up to face Millwall in the Championship on Saturday at the Stadium of Light. As the Black Cats look to bounce back from their 3-0 drubbing away to Coventry City before the international break, manager Régis Le Bris has provided an update on the fitness of his squad.
Injury Updates and Team News
Dennis Cirkin, the former Tottenham left-back, was withdrawn in the second half of the Coventry City match after appearing to pick up an injury. Le Bris has confirmed that Cirkin was withdrawn from England’s U21 squad over the break after being called up for the first time by Lee Carsley.
Leo Hjelde, the Celtic loanee, has been struggling with an injury and is unlikely to feature against Millwall. Enzo Le Fee, the French midfielder, has been nursing a knock but is expected to be available for selection.
Trai Hume, the Northern Ireland international right-back, is likely to play through a hip injury against Millwall. Le Bris has confirmed that Hume will be assessed before the match, but the manager is hopeful that the 21-year-old will be available.
Predicted Starting XI and Subs
Based on the injury updates and team news, James Copley predicts Régis Le Bris’ starting XI and subs to face Millwall:
- GK: Anthony Patterson: Sunderland’s number one goalkeeper is unlikely to be dropped by Régis Le Bris at this stage of the season.
- RB: Trai Hume: Le Bris has confirmed that Hume will likely play through a hip injury against Millwall.
- CB: Chris Mepham: The Wales international centre-back will more than likely start for Sunderland against Millwall if he comes through the break unscathed.
- CB: Dan Ballard: The Arsenal loanee has been impressive in recent weeks and is expected to start alongside Mepham.
- LB: Aji Alese: The former West Ham left-back has been a regular starter for Sunderland and is expected to continue at left-back.
- DM: Corry Evans: The Northern Ireland international has been a mainstay in Sunderland’s midfield and is expected to start against Millwall.
- DM: Luke O’Nien: Sunderland’s club captain is a shoo-in to start against Millwall under Régis Le Bris in the Championship.
- AM: Alex Pritchard: The former Huddersfield midfielder has been impressive in recent weeks and is expected to start against Millwall.
- RW: Jack Clarke: The Tottenham loanee has been a regular starter for Sunderland and is expected to continue on the right wing.
- LW: Amad Diallo: The Manchester United loanee has been impressive in recent weeks and is expected to start on the left wing.
- ST: Ellis Simms: The Everton loanee has been a regular starter for Sunderland and is expected to continue up front.
Tactical Analysis and Match Preview
Sunderland will likely set up in a 4-2-3-1 formation, with Corry Evans and Luke O’Nien providing a solid base in midfield. Alex Pritchard will be expected to create chances from midfield, while Jack Clarke and Amad Diallo will provide width on the wings.
Millwall, on the other hand, will likely set up in a 4-4-2 formation, with Tom Bradshaw and Andreas Voglsammer leading the line. The Lions will look to exploit Sunderland’s defensive weaknesses, particularly down the flanks.
Key Battles and Matchups to Watch
- Trai Hume vs. Scott Malone: Hume’s hip injury will be tested by Malone’s pace and trickery down the left flank.
- Chris Mepham vs. Tom Bradshaw: Mepham’s defensive skills will be put to the test by Bradshaw’s physicality and aerial ability.
- Alex Pritchard vs. Ryan Leonard: Pritchard’s creativity will be matched by Leonard’s tenacity and work rate in midfield.
Conclusion and Prediction
Sunderland will be looking to bounce back from their recent defeat to Coventry City, while Millwall will be seeking to exploit the Black Cats’ defensive weaknesses. With both teams having their own strengths and weaknesses, this match promises to be an exciting and closely contested encounter.
Prediction: Sunderland 2-1 Millwall
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