Sunderland take on Southampton as they look for their first Premier League win of the season.
Sunderland search for Premier League points heads to the South coast on Saturday, where they take on Southampton.
David Moyes’ side has fallen to consecutive 2-1 defeats in the league, but got their first win of the season in the EFL Cup in a 1-0 victory over Shrewsbury on Wednesday evening.
The problem for the Scot has been lack of signings and a flurry of injuries which have hampered his team selections. With many players still in the treatment room, could this be the team that Moyes picks on Saturday?
An elbow injury to Vito Mannone has given youngster Jordan Pickford the chance to claim the number one jersey, and the goalkeeper picked up a clean sheet in his first appearance of the season on Wednesday.
Another area where Sunderland have been hit with injuries is in defence. One player who won’t be moved is Patrick van Aanholt, whose goal brought the Black Cats back into the game against Middlesbrough, although it wasn’t enough to spark a revival.
Sunderland’s Patrick van Aanholt celebrates scoring their first goal against Middlesbrough
At right-back, Donald Love has had a very tough start to life at the Stadium of Light, and the arrival of Javier Manquillo puts his position in jeopardy. If the Spaniard is fit enough, expect the loanee to take the place of Love, who is yet to set the world alight in red-and-white.
With Lamine Kone and John O’Shea injured, and Younes Kaboul heading to Watford, Sunderland are left with Papy Djilobodji as their main centre-back. The 27-year-old was one of few positives against Middlesbrough, and he was paired with Paddy McNair in midweek.
Sunderland’s Paddy McNair comes on as a substitute to replace Jermain Defoe as manager David Moyes looks on
In midfield, Steven Pienaar has also been a shining light during the dark times, and his guile on the ball will be key for Sunderland. Jack Rodwell struggled at centre-back last week, but could get another chance for the trip to St Mary’s, with McNair reverting to midfield, as David Moyes attempts to make the position change work.
Sunderland’s front four should remain unchanged on Saturday. Adnan Januzaj got his first Sunderland goal against Shrewsbury, and has shown flashes of brilliance in his short career on Wearside.
Sunderland’s Adnan Januzaj celebrates scoring
20-year-old Lynden Gooch has also shone, while the energy of Duncan Watmore will be needed to support Jermain Defoe, Sunderland’s main threat in front of goal.
It will be another difficult task for Moyes, and his side will need to be much more solid if they are to pick up their first Premier League points of the season.
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