Sunderland are currently on a poor run of form, struggling in front of goal and performances are not at the level expected. However, the Black Cats have a playoff place guaranteed going into the last game of the league season and everyone connected with the club knows that it is now or never to take momentum into the crucial two-leg play-off semi-final.
Here is our Sunderland predicted lineup for their game against QPR at the Stadium of Light.
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Sunderland Predicted Lineup vs QPR
How Sunderland Have Lined-up Recently
Regis Le Bris has opted to stick to his go-to and tried and tested 4-3-3 formation. For the past few games, head coach Regis Le Bris has rotated his squad to give some a rest and some players much-needed game time ahead of the playoffs. However, this has come at a cost with the team losing four and drawing one of their last five games.
Last time out away at Oxford United, Le Bris played his strongest available team in the hope of collecting three points and a positive performance. He got neither. Sunderland played poorly and fell to a 2-0 defeat.
Prior to this, Blackburn Rovers visited the Stadium of Light and left with a 1-0 win as Le Bris continued to rotate his team.
Lineup vs Blackburn: Patterson, Browne, Mepham, O’Nien, Anderson, Abdul Samed, Bellingham, Watson, Jones, Aleksic, Isidor.
Lineup vs Oxford: Patterson, Hume, O’Nien, Mepham, Hjelde, Neil, Bellingham, Rigg, Roberts, Le Fee, Isidor
Sunderland’s Recent Form
Since their victory at West Bromwich Albion, Sunderland have picked up just one point in five games, scoring just one goal.
A 0-0 draw at Norwich City was followed by a 1-0 home defeat to Swansea City, and a 2-1 away defeat to Bristol City which also saw defender Trai Hume sent off early in the first half. Then came the defeats to Blackburn and Oxford.
Sunderland Injury News
Defender Dan Ballard and striker Eliezer Mayenda will return to the matchday squad following injury. Romaine Mundle is doubtful but could be back for the playoffs. The same applies to Aji Alese and Niall Huggins who have returned to training.
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Sunderland Predicted Lineup
As at Oxford, Regis Le Bris is expected to name the strongest team available to him in the hope of getting the Black Cats back to winning ways.
GK: Anthony Patterson
RB: Trai Hume
CB: Luke O’Nien
CB: Chris Mepham
LB: Dennis Cirkin
CM: Dan Neil
CM: Jude Bellingham
CAM: Chris Rigg
LW: Enzo Le Fee
RW: Patrick Roberts
ST: Wilson Isidor
Subs: Moore, Ballard, Mayenda, Browne, Jones, Hjelde, Aleksic, Abdul Samed, Watson
Post QPR Lap of Appreciation
Players and staff will complete a lap of appreciation following Saturday’s game. Head Coach Regis Le Bris said: “It is always special to be at the Stadium of Light with our fans, but this moment carries extra significance, as we close this chapter and enter our defining moments of the campaign.
“As players and staff, it is important to show our gratitude to the supporters and take a moment to reflect on our journey and our ambition. There has been a strong connection between the team and supporters throughout the season, and now we must all continue together as we enter the playoffs.
“Our moment is almost here.”
Current Odds: Correct as of Friday Evening May 2nd
Sunderland: 11/20
Draw: 16/5
QPR: 4/1
