---
title: "4-2-3-1: This Sunderland XI can definitely beat Stoke City on Saturday"
canonical: "https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/4-2-3-1-this-sunderland-xi-can-definitely-beat-stoke-city-on-saturday/"
type: "post"
language: "en-GB"
author: "George Dagless"
section: "Premier League"
published: "2016-10-12T05:15:28Z"
modified: "2016-10-12T05:15:28Z"
---

# 4-2-3-1: This Sunderland XI can definitely beat Stoke City on Saturday

**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

![pickfordd](https://cdn.footballtransfertavern.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/pickfordd.jpg?admin)

The young ‘keeper has done well and will continue in goal.

### Javier Manquillo

![Manquillo](https://cdn.footballtransfertavern.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/11/Manquillo1.jpg?admin)

The former Liverpool man looks to be David Moyes’ first choice right back.

### Lamine Kone

![lamine kone](https://cdn.footballtransfertavern.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/4796267.jpg?admin)

The defender is arguably Sunderland’s best and needs to show it this weekend.

### John O’Shea

![John O'Shea](https://cdn.footballtransfertavern.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/John-OShea.jpg?admin)

O’Shea needs to use all of his experience to get the club out of this rut.

### Patrick Van Aanholt

![Van Aanholt](https://cdn.footballtransfertavern.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/4779747.jpg?admin)

Van Aanholt scored in the game against West Brom and should earn his place back here.

### Paddy McNair

![McNair](https://cdn.footballtransfertavern.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/McNair.jpg?admin)

The Northern Ireland international is a Moyes favourite and should start.

### Lee Cattermole

![lee-cattermoled](https://cdn.footballtransfertavern.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/Lee-Cattermoled.jpg)

Sunderland need battlers and that’s why Cattermole should play.

### Didier Ndong

![didier-ndongd](https://cdn.footballtransfertavern.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/Didier-Ndongd.jpg)

Ndong needs to show why he was signed and this game would be the perfect time to do so.

### Wahbi Khazri

![wahbi-khazrid](https://cdn.footballtransfertavern.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/Wahbi-Khazrid.jpg)

Khazri has the ability to do something special but he needs to start doing it more often.

### Duncan Watmore

![Duncan Watmore](https://cdn.footballtransfertavern.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/4698747.jpg?admin)

Watmore is an exciting prospect but needs to start being more consistent if he wants to progress.

### Jermain Defoe

![Jermain DefoeJermain Defoe](https://cdn.footballtransfertavern.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/Jermain-DefoeJermain-Defoe.jpg?admin)

Sunderland always have a chance with this man up top and Stoke will have to ensure they keep him quiet.