We love a basement battle here in the Transfer Tavern and that’s exactly what we’ve got on the horizon this weekend.
The local Sunderland and Stoke fans may not want to be a part of it, but a part of it they are as the two sides take on one another in search for that first win in the Premier League this season.
Sunderland, the hosts, go into the game rock bottom of the Premier League after another slow start to a season and will be hoping their fans can help get them over the line against the Potters.
Stoke, meanwhile, are fresh from a morale boosting draw at Old Trafford against Manchester United and will feel if they can get a win here they can start looking up the table instead of down.
Our landlord reckons, however, Sunderland will grab the three points – provided they go with this line-up…
Jordan Pickford
The young ‘keeper has done well and will continue in goal.
Javier Manquillo
The former Liverpool man looks to be David Moyes’ first choice right back.
Lamine Kone
The defender is arguably Sunderland’s best and needs to show it this weekend.
John O’Shea
O’Shea needs to use all of his experience to get the club out of this rut.
(function(){var ids=["snack_dex5","snack_dex6"];var els=document.querySelectorAll("div.snack-rpt-d:not([id])");for(var i=0;i<els.length&&i<ids.length;i++){els[i].id=ids[i];}})(); (function(){var ids=["snack_mex4","snack_mex5","snack_mex6","snack_mex7"];var els=document.querySelectorAll("div.snack-rpt-m:not([id])");for(var i=0;i<els.length&&i<ids.length;i++){els[i].id=ids[i];}})(); Patrick Van Aanholt
Van Aanholt scored in the game against West Brom and should earn his place back here.
(function(){var ids=["snack_dex5","snack_dex6"];var els=document.querySelectorAll("div.snack-rpt-d:not([id])");for(var i=0;i<els.length&&i<ids.length;i++){els[i].id=ids[i];}})(); (function(){var ids=["snack_mex4","snack_mex5","snack_mex6","snack_mex7"];var els=document.querySelectorAll("div.snack-rpt-m:not([id])");for(var i=0;i<els.length&&i<ids.length;i++){els[i].id=ids[i];}})(); Paddy McNair
The Northern Ireland international is a Moyes favourite and should start.
(function(){var ids=["snack_dex5","snack_dex6"];var els=document.querySelectorAll("div.snack-rpt-d:not([id])");for(var i=0;i<els.length&&i<ids.length;i++){els[i].id=ids[i];}})(); (function(){var ids=["snack_mex4","snack_mex5","snack_mex6","snack_mex7"];var els=document.querySelectorAll("div.snack-rpt-m:not([id])");for(var i=0;i<els.length&&i<ids.length;i++){els[i].id=ids[i];}})(); Lee Cattermole
Sunderland need battlers and that’s why Cattermole should play.
Didier Ndong
(function(){var ids=["snack_dex5","snack_dex6"];var els=document.querySelectorAll("div.snack-rpt-d:not([id])");for(var i=0;i<els.length&&i<ids.length;i++){els[i].id=ids[i];}})(); (function(){var ids=["snack_mex4","snack_mex5","snack_mex6","snack_mex7"];var els=document.querySelectorAll("div.snack-rpt-m:not([id])");for(var i=0;i<els.length&&i<ids.length;i++){els[i].id=ids[i];}})(); Ndong needs to show why he was signed and this game would be the perfect time to do so.
Wahbi Khazri
Khazri has the ability to do something special but he needs to start doing it more often.
(function(){var ids=["snack_dex5","snack_dex6"];var els=document.querySelectorAll("div.snack-rpt-d:not([id])");for(var i=0;i<els.length&&i<ids.length;i++){els[i].id=ids[i];}})(); (function(){var ids=["snack_mex4","snack_mex5","snack_mex6","snack_mex7"];var els=document.querySelectorAll("div.snack-rpt-m:not([id])");for(var i=0;i<els.length&&i<ids.length;i++){els[i].id=ids[i];}})(); Duncan Watmore
Watmore is an exciting prospect but needs to start being more consistent if he wants to progress.
(function(){var ids=["snack_dex5","snack_dex6"];var els=document.querySelectorAll("div.snack-rpt-d:not([id])");for(var i=0;i<els.length&&i<ids.length;i++){els[i].id=ids[i];}})(); (function(){var ids=["snack_mex4","snack_mex5","snack_mex6","snack_mex7"];var els=document.querySelectorAll("div.snack-rpt-m:not([id])");for(var i=0;i<els.length&&i<ids.length;i++){els[i].id=ids[i];}})(); Jermain Defoe
Sunderland always have a chance with this man up top and Stoke will have to ensure they keep him quiet.
