Starting XI: Expect Sunderland to make 3 changes against West Brom tonight

Saturday was a good result on paper but in reality there were two points scored and we could actually get a win tonight when we face West Brom, who are unbeaten in eight games/just one win in 10 games. half full or half empty person.

Hume, Jobe and Roberts were suspended and missed the game at The Den and I would expect all three to return to the team today, which may be a bit difficult for Mayenda, Ballard and Connolly but we have seen enough. RLB knows he likes his established first XI.

Our only caveat to this is that Jobe, Rigg and Mepham are all one penalty away from suspension, and you’d certainly want all three of them at Sheffield United on Friday – but given our run of four points from the last 12, I’m not thinking about it. I don’t think we’ll look any further than tonight.

Goalkeeper: Anthony Patterson

Patto returned to the team on Saturday and will be in goal tonight.

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Defense: Trai Hume, Chris Mepham, Luke O’Nien, Aji Alese

Dennis Cirkin was a big miss at the weekend, although Alese is a more than capable replacement, I worry two games in a short period of time could be a bridge too far. There still have to be needs. Hume will follow closely behind, allowing O’Nien to continue the partnership with Mepham that has been central to our success so far. He may be tough on Ballard, but sooner or later he will get another opportunity and could be of more use on Friday – although the possibility of renewing his fight with Josh Maja is intriguing.

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Midfield: Dan Neil, Chris Rigg, Jobe

We’re getting back to normal in midfield tonight. Jobe will be back – we miss him a lot, by the way – and Neil and Rigg will be there too. As mentioned before, the only question marks here are Rigg and Jobe on four yellows, but that may be something we experience too… but if one gets a yellow, I predict the other will soon be beaten.

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Attack: Patrick Roberts, Wilson Isidor, Tommy Watson

I was glad we kept Wilson in the middle on Saturday and Tommy Watson was brilliant on the left wing. It will be nice to see him start at home. On the right, Mayenda has done really well and has staked his claim to retain his place, but I think Roberts will come back. He’s received quite a bit of criticism in recent weeks, but I think he’s an integral part of our style of play and we’ve had a good season so far – Regis was talking about how Roberts’ presence has benefited Rigg more, for example, and I think he’ll be right back.

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