It is fair to say that Sunderland’s team announcement on Sunday will be the most eagerly anticipated of the season so far. Not just because of the obvious magnitude of the game against Newcastle United, but because so many players are big injury doubts heading into the contest.
Sunderland have understandably kept their cards very close to their chest this week on the injury front, though Régis Le Bris will offer some level of update in his pre-match press conference on Friday afternoon. It makes predicting the starting XI and the bench a tricky task, but here’s our early look at how it might play out...
If Robin Roefs is able to play then Sunderland will be very keen to get him in the side. However, at this stage we don't know if he has yet returned to training from a hamstring issue and so his inclusion remains very much in doubt. To his credit, Ellborg has deputised well and shown a lot of potential in his first Premier League appearances.
1. GK - Melker Ellborg
If Robin Roefs is able to play then Sunderland will be very keen to get him in the side. However, at this stage we don't know if he has yet returned to training from a hamstring issue and so his inclusion remains very much in doubt. To his credit, Ellborg has deputised well and shown a lot of potential in his first Premier League appearances. | Getty Images
One of the biggest decisions Sunderland have to make this weekend is whether they push Nordi Mukiele back into action from a calf injury slightly ahead of schedule. Mukiele's important to the XI is not in doubt, buyt Sunderland won't want to lose him for the rest of the campaign. A tricky call and one that fans will be eagerly anticipating when the team sheets drop.
With Reinildo expected to be back, Hume could move across in Mukiele's absence and will likely be slightly ahead of Geertruida in the pecking order based on this season's performances. If Mukiele is fit, his place could be in doubt or he could shift slightly further forward as he did regularly at the turn of the year.
2. RB - Trai Hume
One of the biggest decisions Sunderland have to make this weekend is whether they push Nordi Mukiele back into action from a calf injury slightly ahead of schedule. Mukiele's important to the XI is not in doubt, buyt Sunderland won't want to lose him for the rest of the campaign. A tricky call and one that fans will be eagerly anticipating when the team sheets drop. With Reinildo expected to be back, Hume could move across in Mukiele's absence and will likely be slightly ahead of Geertruida in the pecking order based on this season's performances. If Mukiele is fit, his place could be in doubt or he could shift slightly further forward as he did regularly at the turn of the year. | Frank Reid, Sunderland Echo
Ballard is a major doubt for this game - can he play just a week after seemingly injuring his hamstring against Brighton? Wearside is holding its breath - what we can say with some degree of certainty is that if Sunderland can get him out on the pitch they will, he's a key player. If not fit then Luke O'Nien's solid recent outings will see him come into the XI - though Geertruida is of course another option.
3. CB - Dan Ballard
Ballard is a major doubt for this game - can he play just a week after seemingly injuring his hamstring against Brighton? Wearside is holding its breath - what we can say with some degree of certainty is that if Sunderland can get him out on the pitch they will, he's a key player. If not fit then Luke O'Nien's solid recent outings will see him come into the XI - though Geertruida is of course another option. | Getty Images
Has roared back from a slight dip in form around the turn of the year with some top-class displays in recent weeks. Sunderland need him to excel again if they are to get anything out of this game.
4. CB - Omar Alderete
Has roared back from a slight dip in form around the turn of the year with some top-class displays in recent weeks. Sunderland need him to excel again if they are to get anything out of this game. | Chris Fryatt