Sunderland travel to New Meadow to take on Shrewsbury Town this weekend.
Sunderland travel to New Meadow to play Shrewsbury Town for only the second time in their history this weekend and Jack Ross’ men are looking to stretch their unbeaten run to five matches in League One.
The Black Cats beat Bradford 2-1 last time out prior to the international break and another win here is imperative if they hope to keep in pursuit of Portsmouth and Peterborough United
Ross is sweating on the fitness of some of his key injured players, including; Glenn Loovens, Lynden Gooch and Josh Maja, but all three are expected to return to the starting line-up this Saturday.
Talisman Maja missed the Checkatrade Trophy tie against Carlisle United last week and his absence was evident, with 18-year-old Benjamin Kimpioka left to lead the line.
American international Gooch has been tremendous this season, but an injury away to Coventry City late last month has seen the wide man miss out on a few matches.
Both Max Power and Bryan Oviedo will remain side-lined through suspension, so it’ll be down to Dylan McGeouch and Reece James to fill the void left by both men this weekend.
Former Celtic defender Loovens picked up a knock to his knee and has been a big miss ever since, whilst Jerome Sinclair’s thrilling performance against Peterborough also ended in injury and both men are likely to feature this week.
Ross and the travelling fans will be pleased to be welcoming a number of the previously injured players back into the first-team, especially with the hectic winter schedule only just around the corner.
Below is how we predict Sunderland will line up against Shrewsbury, with returning players back in the squad and four changes to the side that beat Bradford 2-1 at Valley Parade.
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