Simon Grayson has decisions to make yet again for Sunderland as they take their miserable run of form to Preston – a side the manager knows well.
Simon Grayson will not have enjoyed Sunderland’s current eight-game winless run in the Championship – including six defeats – but he will be particularly determined to pick up a win this weekend.
The Black Cats boss returns to former club Preston North End, who are flying high, in 23rd place and seemingly set for a relegation scrap.
Sunderland and Grayson must hope the dismal reverse at Ipswich Town can prove to be a turning point, with the players refusing to accept another performance of that ilk.
The manager still has selection problems, though, starting in goal where he surely cannot drop Jason Steele for a second time already this season, despite a poor performance.
In defence, Grayson may keep Billy Jones and Adam Matthews on either side to use Bryan Oviedo further forward, while, in the middle, Marc Wilson’s injury at Portman Road gave John O’Shea an opening. Sunderland fans might rue the lack of options that mean the struggling Lamine Kone will start again.
Didier Ndong, Sunderland’s best midfielder, simply must return, with Darron Gibson not doing enough to displace him or even Lee Cattermole.
If Oviedo is available to play on one wing and Callum McManaman on the other, Aiden McGeady is then a prime candidate to play behind James Vaughan once again. The Republic of Ireland international, like Grayson, is returning to an ex-employer.
Here is how Sunderland could line up at Preston:
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