After Sunderland’s 5-1 loss to Blackburn on Monday, manager Mike Dodds will need to pick up the pieces. But what adjustments might the interim head coach make?
The Black Cats are getting ready for their home encounter against Bristol City on Saturday. Bristol City is coming to town after two straight victories over Plymouth and Leicester. The Black Cats have lost seven of their past nine games. These are a few of the selection conundrums that Dodds will be considering before the match.
There aren’t many personnel adjustments the acting head coach could reasonably make if Dodds continues with a back four. Trai Hume, Dan Ballard, and Luke O’Nien have been crucial performers for the Black Cats this season despite their collapse against Blackburn, while Jenson Seelt and Dennis Cirkin
The primary defensive concern is if Aji Alese, who participated in Wednesday’s under-21 team match against Huddersfield, will be fit to play. Although Dodds stated that the 23-year-old would be considered for the Bristol City match, the team will not want to send him back too soon following a string of injuries.
Callum Styles has started at left back for Sunderland in their previous two games, but against Blackburn in the second half, he was exposed. Leo Hjelde is an additional choice, having started the team’s last two games from the bench.
What midfield balance is appropriate?
In addition, Sunderland’s midfield was completely overwhelmed by Blackburn, as the aggressive Rovers consistently placed pressure on Dan Neil and Pierre Ekwah while in possession. After giving up the ball, the Black Cats were frequently left vulnerable as their opponents broke swiftly and in large numbers to take advantage of the opening. To ensure that Sunderland takes better care of the ball and isn’t left so wide open when they lose it, Dodds will need to establish a better balance in his team’s engine room.
Although there aren’t many options in the squad, Ekwah, who has proven his worth this season, struggled against Blackburn and would benefit from a game off the field.
Even if Corry Evans is back in the gym following an ACL injury, starting the 33-year-old after more than a year away would be a big ask. Despite being used off the right side in recent weeks, Chris Rigg, who scored against Blackburn after coming off the bench, seems to have a good chance of being summoned back. Although Jobe Bellingham, a teenager, has been Sunderland’s most productive forward this season, he could return to midfield.
Which players are on the attack and prepared to go?
As he practiced with the club this week and came off the bench against Blackburn, leading scorer Jack Clarke is probably going to start for Bristol City.
In addition, Bradley Dack was substituted against Rovers and contributed to Sunderland’s goal, which Rigg scored. The 30-year-old would most likely start at number 10 instead of Adil Aouchiche if he were to receive his first start since Boxing Day.
Dodds may also choose to play with Bellingham in a midfield three, freeing up an attacking position. While Nazariy Rusyn’s availability to start after an injury is unknown, Hemir did score for the under-21 squad against Huddersfield on Wednesday and will be hoping for another chance with the first team.
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