Starting XI: Is This The Sunderland Side To Take On Wolves?

In the second half on Friday, we went to a back three, which worked to some extent, but it’s impossible to make any judgments at all on that second half as it was a non-event from Forest’s perspective. Given that, I think we’ll see just one change here, with Reinildo returning for Hume. Reinildo was poor at Villa, while Hume had a poor game against Forest. Dennis Cirkin will be watching on with interest. Mukiele, Ballard and Alderete should also play – with Geertruida wondering who he’s upset to not be considered at all.

Midfield: Chris Rigg, Granit Xhaka, Enzo Le Fee, Noah Sadiki, Chemsdine Talbi

Chris Rigg was taken off at half time last time out, and I think Le Bris will keep him in the starting XI today as a show of confidence. I do think there’ll be a change, though, and that will be Talbi coming back into the team in place of Diarra. Diarra’s struggled a bit in the last couple of games, although I thought he was very good against Spurs, and Talbi’s strangely been sidelined since scoring in the derby. Xhaka and Sadiki will play as usual, and we need them to really force themselves onto Wolves.

Forward: Brian Brobbey

Brobbey had a quiet game against Forest, but was often isolated. With Le Fee in the centre and Talbi coming from a wide position, we should be able to get more bodies around him, which will benefit everyone.