View: Aleksic to be handed debut in four changes – Sunderland predicted XI v Swansea
Regis Le Bris could hand a full debut to Milan Aleksic for Sunderland when they travel to face Swansea City on Saturday.
Sunderland were held to a draw on Tuesday evening against Bristol City leaving the Black Cats with just one win in their last eight Championship encounters.
Several usual starters were absent from the starting lineup with many of those expected to return on 14 December with Aleksic potentially in line for his full debut just days after Le Bris ruled out a January exit.
Tommy Watson suffered an injury blow against the Robins and will miss Saturday’s encounter while two regular starters could return.
Four changes to be made for Sunderland v Swansea
Anthony Patterson remains Sunderland’s number one ‘keeper and it will be him between the sticks at the weekend but two changes are expected to arrive in front of him.
Dennis Cirkin has sat out the last few games as a substitute but should return to the starting 11 in place of Aji Alese who has generally been okay for the Black Cats since his return.
Luke O’Nien is expected to be another change after he missed out on the Bristol City encounter through illness. He is expected to take the place of Dan Ballard alongside Chris Mepham.
Trai Hume has perhaps been below par in recent weeks although the lack of direct competition surely means he will retain his place.
In midfield, Chris Rigg has shown signs of fatigue and it could provide an excellent opportunity for Aleksic to get his first start in Sunderland colours having made only one appearance since joining in the summer.
Jobe Bellingham and Dan Neil will likely partner with him to form the triangle that has been so crucial to their success so far in this campaign.
Watson’s injury provided a huge blow, especially with the already absent Romaine Mundle and Eliezer Mayenda being forced to occupy the wide role against Swansea having featured there on Tuesday.
Patrick Roberts scored his first goal from open play in 18 months midweek, securing the vital point for the Black Cats and his inclusion is vital if he is to gain momentum.
As for Wilson Isidor, his form has dipped since what was an excellent start to life in red and white but that start showcased what he is capable of and Sunderland simply must stick with him to reap the benefits.
In other Sunderland news, Don Goodman made an “astronomical” claim on potential January sales.
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