Three things Sunderland boss Mike Dodds will probably change this weekend – and a couple he likely won’t
This weekend, Sunderland plays Norwich City, and after three straight league losses, they need to bounce back with a great showing and a positive outcome to restart their season.
What adjustments is Mike Dodds likely to forego making and how may he rearrange his pack? We examine more closely…
THREE ACTIONS HE MIGHT PERFORM...
Dan Ballard is still suspended for Saturday’s match, but given how poorly Sunderland played the first forty minutes of their loss to Swansea, there’s a good chance they’ll switch back to a back four. Although Dodds accurately stated that mentality was just as important as tactics, Sunderland’s switch back to a 4-3-3 formation made a big difference in the match.
several players returning to roles they are more accustomed to.
That would probably entail Callum Styles going to the bench or moving into midfield and Leo Hjelde pushing back across to left back. It appears that Jenson Seelt will have another opportunity to shine in Ballard’s absence. Of all, Sunderland played well in a back three when Dodds managed a match against Leeds United earlier in the season, and Styles’ wing-back background helped him land the job, so we’ll probably see this formation again before the season is over.
As of Saturday night, Dodds remained optimistic that Jack Clarke would be fit for this weekend’s match.
and others outside of it; the winger will be evaluated this week in anticipation of going back to training. Although Clarke was unable to exercise last week due to an ankle injury sustained in the 2-1 loss at Birmingham City, Dodds was optimistic that there was no serious concern. He must now be considered doubtful, at least for the game on Saturday.
If fit, it is almost a given that he will return to the starting lineup, but Dodds will also undoubtedly want to give Romaine Mundle another opportunity. He came dangerously close to scoring and providing an assist in the first half, making him maybe the only notable bright spot from that loss against Birmingham. Then, when he came off the bench to play against Swansea City, he looked impressive.
And even if he might be a touch too old to play three games in a week at this point, he deserves another chance to shine. Even if Clarke returns to full fitness, he demonstrated at Birmingham that he can play off the right, which may allow Abdoullah Ba to get some rest and still have an influence in the two games that follow this crucial week.
Dodds wants his Sunderland team to have a distinct identity—that is, to play with genuine intensity and to get out on the front foot. However, he has demonstrated in his four games thus far that, within that framework, he is quite happy to modify from game to game depending on the advantages or disadvantages of the opponent—a viewpoint and quality he has in common with Alex Neil. Along with the previously mentioned formation change against Leeds, we have seen Jobe play up top against West Brom and Clarke against Bristol City.
Despite the first-half setback against Swansea, Dodds made it clear in his news conference after the game that it wouldn’t stop him from pulling off a surprise in the future.
CHANGE IMPORTANTLY IN THE MIDFIELD (YET)
Sunderland will almost definitely need to rotate their midfield options because they have three games in a week, which should result in playing time for Chris Rigg and Adil Aouchiche throughout the week. It’s more difficult to say whether Dodds is prepared to begin either this weekend.
Given his heavy workload this season, many believe it would be wise to give Jobe Bellingham a break, but Sunderland has made it quite evident that they believe they can manage his training appropriately when there are no midweek games. Of course, Callum Styles, who can fill a variety of roles in the middle of the park, gives Dodds another choice in midfield positions.
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