Star man a doubt: Sunderland team news and predicted XI to face Newcastle United

This afternoon, Sunderland will play their rivals, Newcastle United, in the FA Cup third round.

For the first time since 2015, Sunderland welcomes Newcastle United to the Stadium of Light.

Though the Black Cats have a nine-game winning streak against their opponents, the dynamics are different this time around because the visitors are heavy favorites.

 

Eddie Howe’s team is among the best in the nation on their days, but Michael Beale’s team has the potential to overcome all the odds.

Sunderland team news

Dennis Cirkin was back in training, but the full back has suffered a setback and won’t feature here. Jay Matete is available following a successful return to training and a brief appearance for Sunderland’s U21 side last month. Patrick Roberts is a major doubt for this one following his injury last week; Beale will make a decision later in the week regarding this one. Bradley Dack came off injured against Hull City on Boxing Day and it has since been confirmed he has pulled his hamstring.

Corry Evans remains out with a longer-term injury.

Sunderland predicted XI

Patterson (GK)

Alese

O’Nien (C)

 

Ballard

 

Hume

 

Neil

 

Ekwah

 

Clarke

 

Jobe

 

Pritchard

 

Rusyn

 

A case could be made for a change of system from Sunderland here in an attempt to nullify the threat of the visitors. However, it will likely stay the same.

 

The side that beat Preston North End 2-0 last time out all stand a chance of starting again here, and that may well be the case. If Roberts is deemed fit enough then he will almost definitely start, but other than that fans may be looking at an unchanged XI.

 

Nazariy Rusyn became the first Sunderland striker to score in over 300 days and the Ukrainian has earned a starting spot here.

 

Elsewhere, it is undeniable that Sunderland look better with Alex Pritchard pulling their strings in the midfield. The experienced man has to start for the Black Cats.

 

The game kicks off at 12.45pm and will be shown live on ITV1 this afternoon.