Sunderland will be aiming to move back into the automatic promotion places of the League One table when they face off against Scunthorpe United at the Glanford Park on Saturday afternoon.
The Black Cats currently sit in the third place in the table, with 52 points from 26 matches (W14, D10, L2), having drawn three of their last four league matches. Last time out, they were held to a 1-1 draw by fellow promotion rivals Luton Town at home, and manager Jack Ross will be looking to get his team back to winning ways this weekend.
Sunderland had emerged comfortable 3-0 winners the last time they had faced Scunthorpe and must look to produce a repeat of that display at Glanford Park on Saturday.
Star striker Josh Maja is available for selection after missing out the Luton Town clash with a stomach bug. Chris Maguire will also be available after the Black Cats won their appeal against his sending off in the draw against Luton. Captain George Honeyman remains a major doubt, but, there is a boost for the team with seasoned campaigner Lee Cattermole returning from a two-match ban.
Here’s how the Wearside outfit could take the field against the Iron this weekend;
The Scotland international has been the preferred choice in goal for the Black Cats this term and has managed to keep seven clean sheets in 26 League One matches. Should start in goal on Saturday.
The 24-year-old has excelled in the right-back role in recent matches and has chipped in with 4 goals and 3 assists in 26 matches across all competitions. Should continue in the full-back position against the Iron.
The summer signing from Burton Albion has featured in 17 of Sunderland’s 26 League One games this season. Should hold on to his spot at the heart of the defence.
Partnering Flanagan at the centre of the backline for Sunderland should be fellow summer arrival Jack Baldwin, who has missed just one league game this term.
Former Manchester United starlet Reece James is expected to continue as the left-sided full-back for the visitors on Saturday, ahead of Bryan Oviedo.
Back from his two-match suspension, veteran midfielder Lee Cattermole should walk back into the starting lineup on Saturday in place of Dylan McGeouch.
Occupying the second pivot position in the middle of the park for Jack Ross’ side against Scunthorpe should be 25-year-old Max Power, who has scored two and set up one goal in 18 league games this season.
The 32-year-old Irishman has chipped in with 7 goals and 6 assists in 21 matches across all competitions this season. Should start on the right flank on Saturday.
With his three-match ban overturned, Chris Maguire, who scored against Luton Town last weekend, should resume duties in the No.10 role for the Black Cats this weekend.
The versatile USMNT international has featured in all but two league matches for Sunderland this campaign, netting five goals and setting up eight more in the process. Should start on the left flank against Scunthorpe.
Having missed the last game with a bug, 20-year-old Josh Maja, who is the second highest goal-getter in the competition with 14 goals this term, should return to lead the line.
