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While opposition managers and defenders are seemingly having a pretty easy time of predicting what Sunderland are going to be doing, it’s getting harder to predict a line-up.

When results are poor and players struggling to stand out, there is a bit of a sense that Tony Mowbray could decide to roll the dice on just about any position.

He proved that in midweek when he started Jenson Seelt at right-back in place of Niall Huggins, so it feels like any XI is possible at this point.

So, what do we think Mowbray will do this weekend? We’ve had a go at predicting it.

Sunderland predicted line-up vs Millwall (4-1-4-1)

GK: Anthony Patterson – Will be as frustrated as anyone by the goals Sunderland have conceded lately, but he’s not been to blame for any of them.

RB: Trai Hume – His spot in the team looks safe as houses right now. One of the best full-backs in the Championship.

CB: Dan Ballard – One of the ‘if he’s fit, he plays’ group of players in the Sunderland squad. The best defender at the club by far.

CB: Luke O’Nien – Showed the best (goal and brilliant passing) and worst (hesitation for the winning goal) of himself against Huddersfield. Tony Mowbray remains a huge fan, though, so it’s hard to see him leaving him out.

LB: Niall Huggins – Mowbray said there is ‘every reason’ to expect Huggins to return for this one, so that’s what we’ll be expecting.

CDM: Pierre Ekwah – Short of his best in recent weeks, but could be time to rotate back into the side to give a rest to someone else, specially Jobe Bellingham.

RW: Patrick Roberts – By his own admission he is going through a bit of a ‘sticky patch’ in terms of his own form. Still the best bet to unlock a defence that Sunderland have though.

CM: Adil Aouchiche – Failed to sparkle on his first start for the club, but surely deserves a second opportunity given the promise he has shown during other outings.

CM: Dan Neil – Seems to be no reason at all to leave him out.

LW: Jack Clarke – Like Ballard and Neil, if he is available he plays. Definitely needs a goal though.

CF: Luis Hemir – Who’s turn is it this week? Rusyn is carrying an injury and may not be available at all, Mayenda probably won’t play three games in a week so soon after his own injury problem. Looks like it leaves Mason Burstow and Luis Hemir, and the latter was the first of the two Mowbray turned to against Huddersfield. 

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This article first appeared on FanNation Sunderland Nation and was syndicated with permission.

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