It’s fair to say things are not going well for Sunderland in the Premier League at the moment.
The Black Cats are currently bottom of the league with only two points out of a possible 27 this season.
It’s already looking like being another torrid battle against relegation for David Moyes side as they are struggling at both ends of the pitch.
The EFL Cup is proving a welcome distraction however as Sunderland have made it into the last 16 after beating Shrewsbury Town and Queens Park Rangers.
The prospect of a quarter final is at least something to get their fans excited, but only if they manage to make it past Southampton.
The Saints are currently riding high in eighth place and are unbeaten in six league games.
Charlie Austin and Nathan Redmond are in fine form and we think David Moyes may need to switch to five at the back to deal with them.
Here is the XI we think they should play to spring a surprise…
GK – JORDAN PICKFORD
Jordan Pickford is one of the few Sunderland players who can claim to be having a good season.
The 22-year-old has performed admirably in the absence of the injured Vito Mannone and has generally done well against the barrage of shots his leaky defence allows.
Pickford has enough about him to not get caught out easily but will have to rely on his defence to cut out the easy chances.
RB – BILLY JONES
One of the players who stepped up at the end of last season, Billy Jones has been unfortunate to miss the start of the season through injury.
The former West Brom right-back managed 90 minutes for the U21s against Hartlepool in the Checkatrade Trophy and has made two appearances from the bench.
With Javi Manquillo failing to impress, Jones needs to be given a chance to get back to form.
CB – LAMINE KONE
The first of our three-man defence, Lamine Kone will be tasked with coming out to win the ball.
The French centre-back has been the best Sunderland defender over the past year and should be strong and quick enough to handle Nathan Redmond.
CB – JOHN O’SHEA
Lacking pace but blessed with experience at 35, John O’Shea would be best to anchor the defence in the middle.
The Black Cats look more solid with him in the side and putting him in the middle of a back three will limit the amount of running he has to do.
CB – PADDY MCNAIR
Paddy McNair has had a difficult task this year as he has had to adapt to a relegation battle while also playing in different positions.
The Northern Irishmen has played in the middle of midfield a lot but may be as comfortable in a three-man defence as he was under Louis Van Gaal at United.
McNair also presents a threat from set-pieces which Sunderland may well need to exploit.
LB – PATRICK VAN AANHOLT
Playing a 3-5-2 (or 5-3-2) will suit Patrick Van Aanholt as his strength is in getting forward.
Southampton play a narrow diamond so the Dutchman hopefully won’t have to much to worry about in defence.
Van Aanholt’s main job will be to get past the midfield where he can wreak havoc in the final third.
CM – DIDIER N’DONG
This season N’Dong has struggled as part of a two-man midfield where he has had a lot to do.
In a three-man midfield he will have the license to be more aggressive and win the ball back with the knowledge he should have a man covering on the occasions he can’t recover possession.
CM – JACK RODWELL
While Rodwell is capable of breaking forward and offering an attacking threat, he’ll need to be more disciplined against Southampton.
The 25-year-old may well be tasked with keeping an eye on whoever plays in the attacking midfield slot – whether it be Dusan Tadic or Sofiane Boufal – and anchoring the midfield so the other two can roam.
CM – ETHAN ROBSON
With Rodwell handling the defensive side and N’Dong the extra man tearing around midfield, youngster Ethan Robson should be given the chance as playmaker.
Robson has impressed for Sunderland’s youth sides and may bring some energy and fearlessness to a side that has seemed afraid to put other teams on the back foot.
ST – VICTOR ANICHEBE
Victor Anichebe has only played 13 minutes this season but could be a perfect fit for this tactic.
The Nigerian striker presents a good option as a target man should Sunderland want to play more direct and utilise Anichebe’s ability to provide knockdowns.
ST – JERMAIN DEFOE
One of the best players in the league for getting on the end of knockdowns and finding the net is Jermain Defoe.
The 34-year-old knows where the back of the net and could decide the game with one chance if he’s given the opportunity.
