Sunderland may well have to alter their system at Derby on Friday as their defensive numbers dwindle.
Time is running out fast for Sunderland to rescue their season, with Chris Coleman’s side still bottom of the Championship.
A second consecutive relegation is very much on the cards unless the Black Cats swiftly turn their form around, but they face a tough ask in the first game of their Easter double-header, travelling to Derby County.
The sides drew on the opening day of the season when there was an air of optimism on Wearside, and Coleman will hope Sunderland can go one better and secure a shock win at Pride Park.
He will have to make changes to his side for that to happen, though…
Lee Camp will remain in goal despite Jason Steele’s return, but there will have to be alterations made to the back-line. With Jake Clarke-Salter suspended, Coleman may have no option but to switch to a back four, with the other members of the five-man defence beaten by Preston North End shifting across.
That will not necessarily mean a switch in midfield, though, as Coleman would be wise to pack the centre of the pitch and deploy three across the front in the hope of countering Derby. George Honeyman, Lee Cattermole and Ovie Ejaria should all continue.
Joel Asoro has been ruled out of the game after picking up an injury on international duty, so Aiden McGeady could also come into the fold, with himself and Kazenga Lua Lua providing the width for the Black Cats. Up front should be Josh Maja, with the under-performing Ashley Fletcher yet to score a goal in Sunderland colours.
Here’s how we expect Sunderland to line up:
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