Josh Edwards

Thu 20 February 2025 18:23, UK

Sunderland host Hull City at the Stadium of Light on Saturday, with hopes of bouncing back from Monday’s defeat against Leeds United.

Off the back of the disappointing late 2-1 defeat at Elland Road, Sunderland return to home soil knowing that the encounter with Hull is a must-win.

With an eight-point gap from second-placed Sheffield United, Sunderland need to win the majority of their remaining games to have any shot at automatic promotion, though this could be aided by Leeds should they achieve victory against the Blades on Monday night.

To have the best chance of securing all three points against the Tigers, Regis Le Bris could make three changes to his starting 11, axing a regular starter in the process.

Chris Mepham back in the Sunderland lineup

Albeit mainly due to the lack of depth Sunderland have in defence, it will largely be the same from the clash at Elland Road.

Anthony Patterson will keep his place between the sticks, with Dennis Cirkin and Trai Hume occupying the two fullback roles in the team. The former struggled against the Whites, but Sunderland have no other replacement due to the injuries to Aji Alese and Niall Huggins.

Luke O’Nien should retain his place in the Sunderland backline, with Chris Mepham coming back into the side replacing Dan Ballard who despite making a good account of himself against the league leaders, may be dropped for the Welshman.

Jobe Bellingham will keep his place alongside that of Dan Neil, who has quickly established himself as one of the most important players this season for Sunderland.

The second change could see Chris Rigg drop out of the XI, with Enzo Le Fee moving into his more natural midfield position to accommodate a return for a fan favourite in the front three.

Romaine Mundle to make Sunderland return

Having been sidelined for several months, Romaine Mundle could be named in the starting lineup, having been named on the bench for the defeat to Leeds.

The Mackems have missed his quality and directness on the left flank and should he return, it would be a huge boost for their chances of a victory.

Patrick Roberts is another who could drop out of the starting lineup, having again failed to impress against Leeds, not for the first time.

A lack of end product has made this season a frustrating one for Roberts, who could make way for Eliezer Mayenda who will likely feel hard done by as a result of his lack of involvement in recent weeks.

Wilson Isidor will lead the line yet again after scoring his 12th goal of the season at Elland Road.