Can see this being a bit of a chastening one. It feels like the level of our performances has tailed off a bit and, combined with (or more probably because of) a growing injury list, I think this will probably be too much for us. Sunderland are flying.
I like the idea of using the game as an opportunity to try a different formation. I think our standard formation requires at least one rapid winger to pull the oppo defence around a bit and to pin back opposition fullbacks. With PP, Edwards, Kioso and, to an extent, Phillips all out, I don’t see us as having the outlet we would need if we put in Dale or Ebiowei. Having a back 5, with Tyler at CAM and Vaulks and maybe El Miz sitting, would give us a decent midfield to contain and hit them on the break imo.
Still, I watched some of their game at Luton midweek, and they do look bloody good. That Rigg looks great and the LW will give Kioso a real test.
3-1 Sunderland I reckon, I’m afraid.