Sunderland have now made three January signings, who are all yet to play a senior game for the Lads. Here’s the team Lee Johnson may select today against a tricky Portsmouth side...
RON-THORBEN HOFFMAN
The German has recently recovered from testing positive for Covid, but with Lee Burge sidelined with heart issues Hoffman’s only competition is Anthony Patterson. The young keeper is expected to be on the bench today.
TRAI HUME
With Bailey Wright a doubt with a knock, what better time to introduce the youngster into the side? I expect Carl Winchester to play in his natural midfield upon a return from suspension, which leaves a path for Hume to come straight into right back after having a few weeks to settle in.
DANNY BATTH
After impressing early in the season, Flanagan’s form has seriously dipped and new signing Batth could add some much-needed leadership qualities into a young defensive line.
CALLUM DOYLE
The young centre-half has continued to impress, even as his fellow defenders have declined. Doyle’s ball playing style could compliment the no-nonsense Batth very well.
DENNIS CIRKIN
Although Cirkin hasn’t had a huge impact in recent weeks, he still looks a lot more assured defensively than Denver Hume. Against a threatening Portsmouth side, he’ll need to be up to speed and switched on throughout.
CARL WINCHESTER
We’ve lacked midfield depth in recent weeks, so Winchester’s return will be a welcome one for Lee Johnson. The pair of Neil and Embleton hasn’t worked as a midfield two, but the Northern Irishman’s defensive work and non-stop running will give us a bit more solidity in the middle of the park.
DAN NEIL
The NEFWA’s Young Player of the Year for 2021, Neil will look to have more of an impact in the final third with Winchester covering behind him. Hopefully the pitch is in good condition so he can play the way he likes to, with the ball on the ground.
LEON DAJAKU
The loanee, like Hoffman, has recently suffered with Covid but is back for today’s game. With Lynden Gooch out of form, Dajaku could come straight back into the side out wide.
ALEX PRITCHARD
Even if Pritchard isn’t 100%, his form makes him almost impossible to leave out. If there is a niggle, new man Roberts could replace the attacking midfielder later in the game.
ELLIOT EMBLETON
If Pritchard starts in the number 10 position, Embleton may be forced out wide. He’s been ineffective in a deeper role, but with a license to attack he could be a real threat cutting in from either wing.
ROSS STEWART
With no other real option up front, Stewart has to play every game and will be determined to add to his tally after failing to score at Accrington.
