Sunderland fans in the Transfer Tavern breathed a huge sigh of relief this weekend as they scrapped to a massive 2-1 win over Leicester City.
In one of the biggest games of the Black Cats’ season, Jermaine Defoe scored the winner, which means Sunderland now sit 18th in the Premier league ahead of another huge game on Saturday.
Up next? It’s Swansea City at the Liberty City Stadium which once again, could allow David Moyes’ team to move further away from the relegation zone.
Though we’re not even at Christmas yet, the punters believe this is a good old fashioned six-pointer already.
The Swans are showing some of their worst form since getting to the top flight and even with Bob Bradley at the helm, their struggle has continued.
But in a game some of the punters here in the pub are calling one of the biggest of the season, it’s vital that Moyes gets his team selection right against the Welsh strugglers.
So with that in mind, here’s our Sunderland XI that we think will comfortably beat Swansea City on Saturday…
GK: Jordon Pickford
If there is one man that deserves credit for his performances this season, it’s Jordan Pickford.
He’s a young man some Black Cats fans have branded as one of the best young players to have come through the ranks in the past few years and he’s been fantastic at times.
RB: Billy Jones
Former West Brom man Billy Jones has slotted in at right-back for most of the season and whilst he’s been decent, he’s one of a handful that hasn’t quite reached his peak just yet.
But against Leicester City, he managed to keep the likes of Riyad Mahrez quiet, which is no mean feat whatsoever.
CB: Lamine Kone
Keeping hold of Lamine Kone this summer was one of the best pieces of business Sunderland could have done.
The Ivorian was the subject of plenty of transfer interest but he’s still at the Stadium of Light and if he can get back to his best, he could be the man to help keep the Black Cats afloat.
CB: Papy Djilobodji
Former Chelsea man Papy Djilobodji showed some fantastic form in the 2-1 win over Leicester City and alongside Lamine Kone, the African pairing looked strong.
He’s an imposing individual with a yard of pace, and a run of games in the first-team could get him up to speed and in a position to save Sunderland from the drop.
LB: Patrick van Aanholt
Patrick van Aanholt has had his fair share of criticism from Sunderland fans this season but after the result against Leicester, he’s come back fighting.
The Dutchman has promised to keep evolving his game to help his side survive and if he can improve his defensive work, he could be a real hidden gem in this side.
RM: Seb Larsson
Former Birmingham City man Seb Larsson came on at half-time against the Foxes and showed some promising signs after playing a large part of the season on the bench this year.
His set-piece delivery is superb and he’s a terrifically hard worker. He’s not your typical right-winger but having someone different in the side might be a blessing in disguise for David Moyes.
CM: Jan Kirchhoff
Another man who came into the side at half-time against Leicester City, Jan Kirchhoff played well against the champions and deserves to keep his place for the crunch tie with Swansea City.
He’s found starts hard to come by at times this campaign and it’s good to see him doing well when given the opportunity.
CM: Didier Ndong
A powerful presence in the middle-of-the-park, Didier Ndong gives fantastic muscle to this Black Cats team.
The former Lorient man was a costly purchase this summer and he has a lot of proving to do to ensure he makes up for that £13million price tag.
LM: Duncan Watmore
Young Duncan Watmore brings a real exuberance to this Sunderland side and as one of few youngsters in the side, it’s clear to see how much he wants to help his side improve.
He’s been utilised on the wing a lot this campaign due to the form of Victor Anichibe but he’s a quick, hard-working option that has the ability to make things happen.
ST: Victor Anichebe
If there is one man that has enjoyed a real revival in recent weeks, it’s Victor Anichebe, who has begun to enforce a quite impressive partnership with Jermaine Defoe up front.
The former Everton man brings bags of physicality to the Sunderland side and he’s working well. Good signs indeed.
Good signs indeed.
ST: Jermaine Defoe
Arguably the easiest pick of this side, Jermaine Defoe is the man who is going to get the goals for Sunderland to drag them away from the Premier League trapdoor.
He might be getting old but that goalscoring instinct is still running strong in him and his winner against Leicester City could prove to be huge as the season progresses.
