Starting XI: We’re predicting three changes for Sunderland tonight versus Preston!

Saturday was a good win for the lads, however performance-wise it wasn’t too different from the last few home games – we just managed to get over the line on this occasion.

That said, the first 15 minutes or so were some of the best football for a while, so it’ll be good to keep up that level of performance. I was surprised on Saturday to see Isidor still on the bench – but Mayenda’s stepped up well and will keep his place tonight. Patrick Roberts must be a doubt tonight, regardless of what Le Bris has hinted at – he often doesn’t play two games in a week anyway, so I’ll be surprised to see him in the team tonight

Goalkeeper: Anthony Patterson

I was critical of Patterson on our post Cardiff podcast – looking back at it there probably was an argument to say he got fouled – but he needs to be stronger regardless. The ball was past him before contact was really made. His second half save made up for that though, and hopefully he’ll have a quieter game tonight.

Defence: Trai Hume, Chris Mepham, Luke O’Nien, Dennis Cirkin

I think Dennis Cirkin has got to come back in at fullback to replace Leo Hjelde, while the rest of the defence should remain unchanged. Trai Hume was exceptional on Saturday, while Mepham and O’Nien will hopefully continue their good form, too.

Midfield: Dan Neil, Alan Browne, Chris Rigg

Will we sit Jobe out of this one tonight? I really don’t know – it’s a tricky one, but I think ensuring he’s available for Coventry may mean he’s on the bench tonight. The big question then is who replaces him? I wouldn’t be surprised if Aleksic got a start, as I think Chris Rigg could be deployed further up the field in place of Roberts, but I’m playing it safe here and predicting that Rigg will play in the centre tonight.