Sunderland may be on an unbeaten streak of seven matches but that doesn’t mean that there isn’t room for improvement, and Phil Parkinson should look to freshen things up a little to keep players on their toes.
He should be sensible, however, and only make changes where necessary due to a combination of several individuals playing well currently, as well as the fact that there are limited quality options throughout the rest of the squad. Back-up options Duncan Watmore and Marc McNulty have achieved respective average WhoScored ratings of 6.3 and 6.4 for example.
Kyle Lafferty made his debut against MK Dons last week and new signing Bailey Wright will likely be looking to replicate that today, but his involvement presents a bit of a risk.
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The centre-back hasn’t played since late November and given how well Sunderland have performed at the back of late, conceding just three goals in six matches, it would be unwise of Parkinson to disrupt a winning formula.
His other signing, Lafferty, may get his chance to prove himself, and the Black Cats boss should play him tonight considering the team also has two fixtures coming up next week.
As a result, here is how the home side should line-up at the Stadium of Light.
Dropping Charlie Wyke may seem a little harsh as he has been ever-present in the recent upturn in form, but he has started seven consecutive games after just coming back from a significant injury, and could benefit from being rested.
As well as that, he has scored just three league goals this season, something he needs to improve upon if Sunderland are to avoid a repeat of narrow wins against Doncaster and MK Dons, with Wyke receiving a WhoScored rating of just 6.5 against the latter – the lowest score of any player on his team.
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Lafferty deserves to show what he can offer and the sooner he gets up to speed the better for both him and the rest of the squad, particularly Lynden Gooch and Chris Maguire who will probably look to play off of him.
In transfer news, one of Parkinson’s biggest hopes for the rest of the window has been revealed.
