Sunderland continue to stutter in all competitions under Phil Parkinson, who almost succumbed to his seventh defeat in ten games on Saturday before his side fired home a last-gasp equaliser.
The former Bolton boss has mixed things up in recent weeks in a bid to find a winning formula, and with a 4-3-3 formation showing signs of progress against Coventry it is likely that he will use it again.
His biggest concern currently should be the lack of goals from his team – with 12 scored so far – because as long as that continues Sunderland will face an uphill battle to win points and reach the type of position they want to be in at the end of the season.
Deploying three attackers should enable the Black Cats to dominate the opposition’s defensive final third, and in getting players in and around Will Grigg it may allow the Northern Ireland international to finally start delivering on the goal front.
Grant Leadbitter came in for the visit of the Sky Blues and put in an assured performance. His presence should make the home side difficult to break down, while a change on the right-flank could work wonders.
Aside from that, there is a lack of quality among the back-up options to make a real difference, and therefore the team will likely remain much the same, though there is a case for a switch at left-back, too.
With that in mind, here is how Parkinson should line-up his team at the Stadium of Light, with two changes made.
The most notable absence is Chris Maguire. The attacking midfielder has featured in all but one League One match this term but according to fans his performances have dropped off recently.
A change in position to play him on the right against Coventry also didn’t pay off, and since Parkinson has spoken of a need for pace and power in the side he should look to Benji Kimpioka.
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The youngster is yet to make his first league start for the club but he made a brilliant impact when he scored the equaliser on Saturday, and a player willing to run at defenders and show bravery could be a big help to the team.
Other than Aiden McGeady the Black Cats lack someone of that calibre, and with the Irishman almost getting on the scoresheet last time out he could benefit from a more ambitious, overlapping full-back such as Laurens De Bock, who has averaged two key passes per league game this term.
Denver Hume can be too apprehensive at times, and that means there is more work for McGeady to do, thus preventing him from cutting in on to his right foot and shooting, which is what he is best at.
As a result, the 23-year-old is the other player who should miss out on this clash if Parkinson wants to get back to winning ways.
Read here to find out what Sunderland fans are saying about the unpopular Chris Maguire.
