Sunderland fans at the Transfer Tavern see this weekend’s fixture against Stoke City as a ‘must win’ game for the relegation threatened Black Cats.
David Moyes’ team are currently sitting in the drop zone of the Premier League and are struggling for consistent form.
Sunderland go in to this match against Stoke with just 4 wins all season and a goal difference of -18.
In their last Premier League fixture Sunderland fought back twice against Liverpool to secure a 2-2 draw with Jermain Defoe once again on the scoresheet.
Stoke City visit the Stadium Of Light this weekend and the Sunderland fans in the Tavern are rightly nervous, given they are without key players due to injury and international call ups to the African Cup of Nations, currently taking place in Gabon.
The former Everton and Man United manager is under pressure to ensure Sunderland avoid the drop.
David Moyes will see this game as ‘winnable’ despite his depleted squad, and the Black Cats fans in the Tavern are hoping that home advantage will give them the edge.
The Tavern landlord believes Sunderland can climb their way to safety but must bolster the squad during the January transfer window, keep hold of Jermain Defoe and score more goals across the team.
With that in mind, who should Sunderland field this weekend to batter the Potters? Let’s see…..
GK: VITO MANNONE
With Jason Pickford injured David Moyes will look to the former Arsenal stopper to step in to add stability to the backline.
Vito Mannone has made just 4 appearances this season and will be keen to show the Sunderland faithful that he has the ability to reclaim the number 1 shirt.
LB: PATRICK VAN AANHOLT
The much improved left-back has recently added goals to his game and is looking in fine form.
Patrick van Aanholt (26) is a Dutch international and former Chelsea youth team graduate.
We expect him to start.
CB: JOHN O’SHEA
35-year-old O’Shea will likely be the man to step in for the AFCON bound Lamine Kone and provide great experience at the back for Sunderland.
The former Man Utd star is known for his versatility in playing several positions on either side of the pitch or the centre.
CB: PAPY DJILOBODJI
Senagalese international Papy Djilobodji (28) is a powerful centre back who can also play as a holding midfielder.
Djilobodji joined Sunderland in August after failing to make the grade at Chelsea.
RB: BILLY JONES
The former England U20 full back has put in some good performances this season and looks set to start against Stoke City this weekend.
Billy Jones began his career as a Crewe Alexandra trainee and joined Sunderland in 2014 from West Bromwich Albion.
CDM: JACK RODWELL
The injury plagued star appears to have found some consistency at Sunderland since joining from Man City in 2014.
Jack Rodwell is just 25 and could yet fulfil the early potential he showed as a youngster at Everton, which prompted a reported £12million transfer to Man City in 2012
CDM: JASON DENAYER
Jason Denayer is a young Belgian star, currently on loan from Man City, who can play centre back or as central defensive midfielder.
The Belgium international has 7 caps and adds real quality to the Black Cats starting XI with his reading of the game and passing range.
RAM: SEBASTIAN LARSSON
Swedish international Sebastian Larsson has played over 150 times for Sunderland and is a real fan’s favourite.
A dead ball specialist and exquisite passer of the ball, makes the 31-year-old midfielder one of the key playmakers in the Sunderland team.
LAM: FABIO BORINI
The 25- year-old Italian forward failed to make the grade at Chelsea and Liverpool.
Fabio Borini spent a few seasons on loan to various clubs before making a permanent move to Sunderland in 2015.
Fabio Borini can play as a centre forward or an attacking midfielder.
CAM: ADNAN JANUZAJ
Adnun Januzaj is another young Belgian gaining valuable Premier League experience at Sunderland whilst on loan from parent club Man Utd.
The Belgium international (21) can play on either wing or as a central attacking midfielder, Januzaj is a direct player bursting with dribbling and technical ability.
CF: JERMAIN DEFOE
Jermain Defoe is currently Sunderland’s most important player; he’s provided 11 goals in 20 appearances and 2 assists leading to speculation that he may leave the club in the January transfer window.
If Sunderland plan to stay in the Premier League this season they must keep hold of the former England international, because it’ll be his goals and experience that will keep them up.
Sunderland fans, what do you think? Let us know below!
