Sunderland showed exactly what they have to offer with the 5-0 hammering of Tranmere in midweek, and another display of attacking intent will likely yield a positive result again.
Phil Parkinson will likely bear than in mind as his squad travels to Shrewsbury, and though there are some notable absentees, the Black Cats should feel confident.
Sam Ricketts’ side have just one win in five, and in Aiden McGeady, who returns after serving a one-match suspension, Sunderland have one of their most creative outlets back.
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The Irishman has four goals and three assists this term, and his presence should make up for the injured Gooch, who got on the scoresheet in midweek.
With his team impressing against Rovers, Parkinson will likely stick with much the same team, but since Duncan Watmore has only just returned from a long injury lay-off, he may be rested after featuring in the last two fixtures
As a result, here is how the new manager will likely line-up on Saturday.
Watmore’s omission may disappoint fans after his brilliant display last time out, but it is for the best.
Sunderland need him to be fit for the full season and therefore his recuperation must be managed carefully. After all, he did suffer two ACL injuries in as many years.
Furthermore, if the Black Cats are struggling to break down Shrewsbury, his pace could be a very effective weapon from the bench, and Parkinson could use him in that way to run in behind a tiring defence – just like he did for his goal on Tuesday.
Marc McNulty could be the man to replace him, likely under instruction to join Will Grigg in the box in order to get on the end of chances, and in doing so create more space for the Northern Ireland international to operate in.
Grigg scored his first league goal of the season against Tranmere, and he could be key to his team this year. Another strong performance would do him the world of good, and McNulty’s presence in the box could help him score again, as he would be able to run onto crosses from deep.
Parkinson therefore has a few options at his disposal. He has shown already that he knows how to use them, and that should put Sunderland in a strong position on Saturday.
