Sunderland are still chasing a first win of 2017 and they will again have to make changes for the visit of Millwall.
Sunderland remain bottom of the Championship and without a permanent manager, having lost 1-0 to rivals Middlesbrough before the international break.
And the Black Cats’ hopes of pulling clear of danger were further impacted in that reverse, with both Billy Jones and Didier Ndong withdrawn through injury.
That gives interim boss Robbie Stockdale some big decisions to make ahead of this weekend’s fixture against Millwall…
Robbin Ruiter looks to have finally established himself as Sunderland’s first choice after impressing at the Riverside, but his defence is no less settled.
Jones’ injury should see Adam Matthews slot in, while the rest of the defence remains unchanged – but that is only because of Lamine Kone’s fitness problems, with the Sunderland Echo reporting a 10-week lay-off heading into the January transfer window.
Ndong will also need replacing in midfield and that blow is likely to see Darron Gibson and Lee Cattermole keep their places despite below-par performances.
Callum McManaman and Duncan Watmore are expected to battle it out for Ndong’s place, with the latter surely the frontrunner.
Up front, Sunderland will need Lewis Grabban on top form as they chase a first home win of 2017.
How we expect Sunderland to line up:
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
