Boss Daniel Farke named an unchanged side for Saturday’s lunchtime kick-off at Blackburn Rovers for which he had several players out. Farke was without injured pair Junior Firpo and Stuart Dallas plus the unwell Patrick Bamford and also Ian Poveda who is away on international duty with Colombia.
There was also question mark about Luke Ayling after the right back experienced some light knee problems and the defender was not involved at Ewood Park where Sam Byram picked up a hamstring injury which led to him being replaced in the 70th minute by right back Djed Spence.
Tottenham Hotspur loanee Spence filled in at left back upon stepping out for the first time since recovering from his knee injury picked up in the middle of September and Farke revealed at Monday’s pre-match press conference that Byram was now out in addition to Jamie Shackleton who has a glute issue.
That raises a big question of who starts at left back and this is the XI that we think will start out against the Black Cats.
7. CM: Glen Kamara
Ilia Gruev is another option but it's basically a pick between Archie Gray or Kamara to partner Ampadu and Gray looks nailed on to play in one of the full-back positions. Photo: George Wood
8. LW: Crysencio Summerville
Farke highlighted the flying Dutchman as being labelled as the best offensive player in the league and it's hard to argue much over a player with nine goals and six assists. Photo: George Wood
9. RW: Dan James
It's now six goals in his last seven games for the Wales international winger for whom the biggest question mark was always end product. Not at the moment and not much chance of even chief alternative Willy Gnonto replacing him at present, or Jaidon Anthony. Photo: Ben Roberts Photo
10. ACM: Joel Piroe
Patrick Bamford sounds touch and go having been unwell but in any case it would be a major surprise if Farke changed anything up tops. Photo: Michael Regan
11. ST: Georginio Rutter
There's no doubting that the record signing's finishing can be improved but there's also no escaping just how much of a skilful yet also physical nightmare he is proving for opposition defences and yet another assist was bagged in setting up the Dan James opener in Saturday's win at Blackburn. Photo: George Wood