Sunderland fought back to draw 2-2 against Walsall at the Bescot Stadium last weekend.
Sunderland fought back to draw 2-2 against Walsall last weekend, extending their unbeaten run to 13 matches in all competitions.
Jack Ross’ side were reduced to 10 men early on at the Bescot Stadium after Max Power was sent off for a third time this season. They were able to salvage a draw but the Black Cats can’t afford to rest on their laurels with a huge clash against Barnsley ahead of them on Tuesday.
The 42-year-old Scot may be keen to field a similar side to the one which actually looked good in patches against the Saddlers on Saturday. Ross will have Power available after his red card was rescinded.
And despite the Birkenhead-born midfielder being a clear asset to Sunderland, Power has obvious temperamental issues and Ross may not trust him in one of the biggest games of the season at the Stadium of Light this week.
The previously injured Chris Maguire could return to the side in place of Bryan Oviedo, who didn’t quite look at home in the wide forward position on Saturday, whilst Luke O’Nien is the likely replacement for Power.
Summer arrival O’Nien has slowly but surely made a name for himself in the Sunderland side and is more than deserving of his chance to shine this week after playing his hand in the equaliser on Saturday afternoon.
Injured players who won’t feature will include the likes of Dylan McGeouch, Charlie Wyke, Duncan Watmore and Denver Hume – whilst Lynden Gooch and Aiden McGeady will be the two first players on the team-sheet after their vital goals last weekend.
Below is how we predict Sunderland will start against Barnsley, with O’Nien coming in for the suspended Power and the impressive Maguire replacing Oviedo.
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