It has been more than a week since Sunderland last played and the good news of David Jones’ arrival may hopefully lead to a more spirited performance.
One thing for certain is that Phil Parkinson has had more time to work on things in training, as often midweek games have prevented him from focusing on finer details in training.
The Black Cats’ boss recently adopted a 3-4-3 formation and though the team has adapted to it well, the understanding of the new style from the period without playing should prove to be very useful.
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There could be an added boost for Phil Parkinson against his former club as Lynden Gooch is back fit and in training after making a substitute appearance last time out against Blackpool.
The winger offers Sunderland a directness they have lacked in recent weeks, as well as the ability to score goals, finding the target on four occasions this term.
Duncan Watmore underwhelmed against the Seasiders with a WhoScored rating of 5.8, failing to make a key pass as he highlighted the Black Cats’ lack of creativity this campaign.
Those two swapping places would be a like-for-like switch and there could be another player from returning in injury in the form of Jordan Willis so bearing that in mind, here is how they could line up at the Stadium of Light. We’re tipping Parkinson to make three changes in total.
Willis’ return should help to strengthen the Sunderland defence, which could have kept its first clean sheet for eight games if not for a brilliant strike by Blackpool’s Matty Virtue.
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The decision to include Alim Ozturk and Tom Flanagan is so far paying off for Parkinson. Flanked by two wing-backs who find the right balance to their play in Luke O’Nien and Denver Hume means his team should be able to cause the Trotters problems while keeping things tight at the back.
In attack, Charlie Wyke has lead the line recently and Sunderland have shown improvement as a result, drawing last time out. If Parkinson plays to his strengths against Bolton he could cause the opposition problems from crosses coming into the box, which means there is unlikely to be a place for Will Grigg once again.
George Dobson’s suspension means Grant Leadbitter is likely to come back into the side, and he will have to be at his best to put his side on the front foot and reduce the influence of Luke Murphy, who scored a great goal against Southend last weekend.
A win could be a great lift for the home side ahead of a busy schedule, and with the bottom-placed team visiting there may be no better chance to end the winless run.
In other Sunderland news, Luke O’Nien has revealed his desire to stay at the club long-term amid rumours of a new contract being given to him.