Sunderland head to QPR for their third round tie in the EFL Cup.
Sunderland head to Loftus Road to take on QPR in the third round of the EFL Cup this evening.
Manager David Moyes has a limited squad available to him, but the Scot will surely make changes for the trip to their Championship opponents. Sunderland’s only win this season has came in the EFL Cup, and they will look to make it two wins and advance to round four in the process.
Could this be the team Moyes picks to face QPR?
Jordan Pickford was sensational in goal against Tottenham Hotspur and should retain the number one jersey. The goalkeeper will surely want to keep up his momentum, rather than afford summer signing Mika an opportunity between the sticks.
Despite missing the game on Sunday due to what has been revealed as a virus, Patrick Van Aanholt could miss out again if Moyes wants to keep his preferred left-back fresh for the visit of Crystal Palace on Saturday, meaning that Javier Manquillo should continue at left-back.
Papy Djilobodji has struggled in recent weeks for Sunderland and could be taken out of the spotlight, seeing Donald Love come back into the side, meaning that Jason Denayer would play in his preferred position of centre-back.
Jan Kirchhoff will look to continue his return to fitness with a start at Loftus Road, and Didier Ndong should also keep his place as he gets up to speed with the English game. Lee Cattermole only made his comeback from injury on Sunday, and he will likely be rested, with Paddy McNair hoping for the chance to start in midfield.
Width could be supplied from youngsters Duncan Watmore and Lynden Gooch due to Januzaj’s suspension and Wahbi Khazri’s injury.
Sunderland’s biggest problem is up front with Defoe ruled out, Fabio Borini still injured and Victor Anichebe not deemed to be fit enough, meaning that 17-year-old Joel Asoro could lead the line for the Black Cats.
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