Sunderland predicted line-up vs West Brom: Up to 10 players missing for Mowbray

Sunderland could be left with only two players over the age of 24 in their starting line-up on Sunday.

Sunderland could be missing as many 10 players when they travel to West Brom on Sunday, with a play-off spot still in their sights with three games to go.

Ross Stewart, Corry Evans, Elliot Embleton, Aji Alese, Jewison Bennette and now Danny Batth have all been ruled out for the remainder of the season.

Head coach Tony Mowbray is hopeful Dan Ballard, Edouard Michut and Niall Huggins can return to the first team fold before the conclusion of the season, whilst defender Luke O’Nien is on standby with his wife due to give birth.

Dennis Cirkin however could return from his suspension after he picked up two yellow cards a week ago.

Sunderland sit two points outside the play-offs in 9th with three games remaining of the season, whilst West Brom are in 7th place and a point off 6th place Blackburn Rovers.

Sunderland predicted line-up vs West Brom (4-2-3-1):

Is this how Sunderland could line up against West Brom with an average age of just 22?

GK: Anthony Patterson – The only player to have played every game for Sunderland so far this season.

RB: Trai Hume – Started 21 of the last 22 games at right-back having only made six appearances in the 24 games before that.

CB: Luke O’Nien – Set to be the oldest player in the side at the age of 28, although he may also miss the game with his wife due to give birth.

CB: Joe Anderson – Has 16 minutes of Championship football under his belt since joining from Everton in January.

LB: Dennis Cirkin – Should return from suspension on Sunday after missing Tuesday’s draw with Huddersfield.

CM: Dan Neil – Was isolated against Huddersfield due to an early booking and Alex Pritchard playing further forward.

CM: Edouard Michut – Missed the Huddersfield game due to a back injury but could return here. If he isn’t ready, Pierre Ekwah should return to the line-up.

RM: Patrick Roberts – If Sunderland are to make it into the play-offs at the end of the season they will need Roberts at his best.

AM: Amad Diallo – Played his part in Gelhardt’s goal setting the forward on his way with a precise through ball.

LM: Jack Clarke – Will be looking to add to his 20 goal contributions so far this season.

CF: Joe Gelhardt – Took his goal well with an excellent finish against Huddersfield.

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