On what will be Sunderland’s 5000th league game, the Black Cats are now in a must-win situation if they wish to keep pace with the top two in the Championship. Although almost guaranteed to have a place in the playoffs, Regis Le Bris’ men can still keep the pressure on those above them in the battle for automatic promotion to the Premier League. Here is our Sunderland predicted lineup for their game against Cardiff City at the Stadium of Light.
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Sunderland Predicted Lineup vs Cardiff City on March 8: Sunderland’s 5000th League Game
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### How Sunderland Have Lined-up Recently
Regis Le Bris has opted for the majority of games to go with a 4-3-3 formation; however, on occasion, he has decided to play with two strikers in a 4-4-2. Last time out, the head coach rang the changes to give some players a much needed rest. The decision paid off as they beat Sheffield Wednesday 2-1 at Hillsborough. This followed the disappointing 1-0 defeat to strugglers Hull City at home.
Last time out, Chris Mepham, Leo Hjelde, Alan Browne, Romain Mundle and Eliezer Mayenda replaced Dan Ballard and Enzo Le Fee who were injured, Chris Rigg, Dennis Cirkin and Wilson Isidor who were rested. Goalkeeper Anthony Patterson, who has come in for some criticism of late, has kept his place.
**Lineup vs Hull City:** Patterson, Hume, Cirkin, Ballard, O’Nien, Neil, Bellingham, Rigg, Roberts, Le Fee, Isidor
**Lineup vs Sheffield Wednesday:** Patterson, Hume, O’Nien, Mepham, Hjelde, Neil, Browne, Bellingham, Roberts, Mundle Mayenda
### Sunderland’s Recent Form
A 2-1 victory at Sheffield Wednesday, where striker Eliezer Mayenda for the second time this season was the Owls’ tormentor scoring twice. A disappointing 1-0 home defeat to Hull City came before the win at Hillsborough, which ended their undefeated home record this season. Prior to this, it was a 2-1 defeat at league leaders Leeds United, where the Black Cats led before two late goals lost them the game.
### Sunderland Injury News
Defender Dan Ballard and midfielder Enzo Le Fee will once again be missing and are not expected back until next month. Winger Ian Poveda is also out injured once again. Loan signing Jordan Danns, who signed from Liverpool in January, is still out and has yet to play for the club. Aji Alese and Niall Huggins are long-term absentees.
### Sunderland Predicted Lineup
Due to Eliezer Mayenda’s goalscoring exploits last time out, he is pushing for another starting role giving Regis Le Bris a welcome headache. Changes are expected with at least two of those rested last week returning.
GK: Anthony Patterson RB: Trai Hume CB: Luke O’Nien CB: Chris Mepham LB: Dennis Cirkin CM: Dan Neil CM: Jude Bellingham LW: Romain Mundle RW: Patrick Roberts ST: Wilson Isidor
ST: Eliezer Mayenda
Subs: Moore, Rigg, Browne, Seelt, Hjelde, Aleksic, Jones, Samed, Samuel-Ogunsuyi
### Current Odds: Correct as of Saturday Morning 8th March
Sunderland: 8/15 Draw: 16/5
Cardiff City: 9/2