Michael Beale, the new head coach of Sunderland, is getting ready for his second game in command, but who will start for the Black Cats at the MKM Stadium against Hull?

The Black Cats are still only three points out of the play-off spots despite their most recent 3-0 loss to Coventry at the Stadium of Light.

Despite Friday night’s 3-2 loss to Bristol City, Hull is still sixth in the standings.

This is the Sunderland squad we think will play the Tigers:

GK: Anthony Patterson

The Sunderland keeper made an excellent double save in the first half against Coventry but could do little about the first two goals his side conceded.

RB: Jenson Seelt

Niall Huggins’ injury may mean Seelt has to cover at right-back, with Timothee Pembele still building up his fitness. The Frenchman wasn’t named in the squad against Coventry despite playing 45 minutes for the under-21s side on Monday.

CB: Dan Ballard

Ballard was winning his battles against former teammate Ellis Simms during the Coventry game but did make a rare error in the lead up to the visitors’ second goal.

CB: Luke O’Nien

O’Nien took responsibility after the Coventry defeat and will hope to put in a better performance against Hull.

LB: Trai Hume

Huggins’ injury means Hume will probably move to left-back, yet the 21 year-old has shown he’s comfortable on both sides of defence.

CM: Pierre Ekwah

After dropping to the bench for the game against Leeds, Ekwah has started Sunderland’s last two matches in a deep-lying midfield role.

CM: Dan Neil

Neil has been hugely important for Sunderland this season, operating as a deep-lying midfielder and in a more advanced role, adapting impressively.

RW: Patrick Roberts

Roberts made some probing runs down the right against Coventry but is still searching for his first goal of the season.

CAM: Adil Aouchiche

Alex Pritchard missed the Coventry match with an illness, meaning Aouchiche may receive a chance to start against Hull.

LW: Jack Clarke

The winger will be hoping to add to his 10 league goals this season and hasn’t scored from open play in 11 matches.

ST: Jobe Bellingham

Bellingham returned to the starting XI as a central midfielder against Coventry but has also been effective playing as a central striker this season.