Sunderland travel to Bradford City and will be hoping that they can get back to winning ways. The Black Cats have won just once since the end of August. However, they have also only lost once and performances have generally been good.
On Tuesday night, Sunderland produced one of their best performances of the season against Peterborough, but drew 2-2, mainly thanks to playing for most of the second half with ten men. Bradford won the other night but are at the wrong end of the table as far as they are concerned. The Black Cats, therefore, should be looking at this fixture to regain ground at the top of the table.
Bradford City v Sunderland Preview
Sunderland Injury Update
Several players were missing from the Sunderland side against Peterborough. Lynden Gooch, Denver Hume, Glenn Loovens and George Honeyman sustained injuries either against Coventry or in the build-up to Tuesday’s game. Of the four, only Honeyman is likely to be available.
Lynden Gooch will miss this game but should be available for the next league game. Glenn Loovens will also be hoping to fit sooner rather than later and could return this month. Young full-back Denver Hume is likely to be out longer but should be back available during November.
Duncan Watmore’s fitness continues to improve after his serious knee injury. The forward has stepped up his training; however, he will not be rushed back. Charlie Wyke remains on the sidelines also after suffering a knee injury against Burton Albion. Luke O’Nien is suffering from an illness and could be doubtful.
Midfielders Back in Contention
Lee Cattermole has served his one-match suspension and will be available to Jack Ross. Captain George Honeyman suffered a concussion in training earlier in the week and was not risked against Peterborough. The midfielder will be assessed ahead of the weekend but should be available.
The return of the duo gives manager Jack Ross a selection dilemma. Ross changed his formation on Tuesday and could be tempted to stick with those who performed well. In the absence of Honeyman, Ross gave the captains armband to Max Power. Power did well in the role, gaining many plaudits. Jack Ross could have a good selection headache to deal with.
Recent Form
Sunderland have performed well of late. However, victories have not been seen enough. Four draws, one win and one defeat since the end of August has seen the Black Cats slip out of the automatic promotion places. There is no need for concern yet as they are still in the play-off positions and a long season lies ahead.
Bradford picked up their third victory of the season at AFC Wimbledon in midweek. The result still leaves them close to the bottom of the table on ten points. Apart from the recent victory, their form has not been good and will need to be at their best to keep Sunderland’s strikers at bay.
Team News
After recent weeks injuries and a suspension, Sunderland manager Jack Ross has a selection and a formation dilemma to deal with. Depending on who is available he could stick with the 4-4-2 formation used against Peterborough or revert back to his seemingly preferred three central defenders.
Bradford will be without midfielder Jim O’Brien. He is likely to be out for up to six weeks with a torn hamstring. Captain Josh Wright has missed the last five games but could be part of the squad. Striker Jack Payne is pushing for a start after coming off the bench against Wimbledon and scoring the winner. Eoin Doyle missed the victory but is likely to be available.
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