2
SUNDERLAND are looking to continue their unbeaten start in the Europa League when they host Dinamo Zagreb tonight.
The Black Cats have picked up seven points from their first three games and are ninth in the standings.
But tonight's game comes just three days ahead of the crunch Premier League visit of Chelsea, with Sunderland desperate for a much-needed win as they look to climb off the bottom of the table.
Sunderland in Europe - in association with Costspex Opticians
Sunderland in Europe - in association with Costspex Opticians (Image: The Northern Echo)
There'll undoubtedly be changes for tonight's game. Here's how we think Sunderland might line up:
GK - Robin Roefs
It's a shame for Melker Ellborg that he wasn't registered in the European squad. With that in mind, Roefs gets the nod each game.
RB - Trai Hume
No Nordi Mukiele tonight, with the defender still completing concussion protocols. Thomas Meunier will likely start on Sunday against Chelsea, so Hume gets the nod at right-back.
CB - Luke O'Nien
Without Mukiele or Ballard, it's a toss-up between Luke O'Nien and Kevin Danso. We're going for the former, with the latter to start on Sunday.
CB - Omar Alderete
Will be suspended on Sunday but able to play tonight, so will likely get the nod despite his struggle for form.
LB - Dayann Methalie
Has started the last two European games and likely to be in from the off tonight. On the back of last week's Coventry performance and Premier League struggles, pressure is growing on Le Bris to make changes for Chelsea. Is Methalie one of those who could play his way into the side?
RECOMMENDED READING:
Candid Sunderland star opens up on his 'hard journey' - now he feels 'at home'
Regis Le Bris: 'Sunderland face most demanding challenge in the club's history'
CM - Jules Ahoka
Has been Sunderland's stand-out player in the Europa League so far. Surely there's a temptation to start him on Sunday? Another big performance tonight and those calls will grow.
CM - Noah Sadiki
Was rested in Poznan but likely to go back in tonight, with Xhaka given a breather. No Habib Diarra is a blow for Sunderland in this area of the pitch.
RM - Chris Rigg
Has played a fair bit of football of late but with Diarra out, Le Bris' options are limited.
No.10 - Chemsdine Talbi
Available to play after replacing Diarra in the European squad, Talbi will be desperate for an opportunity and to grasp it. Has played in central No.10-type role in last two Carabao Cup outings.
LW - Malick Fofana
Showed promising signs against Poznan and Brentford. With Sunderland struggling for attacking spark, the sooner the winger is settled and up to speed, the better.
STRIKER - Timur Tutierov
Sadiki was the player put up for pre-match media duties in Poznan even though he wasn't starting the next day. A repeat is unlikely with Tutierov. Spoke really well on Wednesday at Academy of Light and will almost certainly get another chance so Brobbey and Isidor are fresh for Sunday.