The final match of Gameweek 16 takes place this evening as Sunderland prepare for a crucial home clash with fellow strugglers Reading. Can Stephane Sessegnon rescue a double Gameweek captaincy gamble before the schedule turns nasty for the Black Cats? Will Steven Fletcher even take the field as Martin O’Neill attempts to engineer a scramble out the drop zone? As usual, our Dugout Discussion chatroom is open ahead of the 7.45pm kick-off…
The big news is that Fletcher makes it; shaking off the ankle injury that kept him out of the defeat to Chelsea to oust Connor Wickham to the bench. The news will receive a mixed reception, particularly from those with Michu as vice captain, armed with his two-goal return against Norwich.
Martin O’Neill also brings Jack Colback into his lineup, relegating Phil Bardsley to the bench – it’s not yet clear how the Sunderland boss is setting up his side, although Craig Gardner could be right-back with Colback at left-back and Danny Rose pushed into midfield: one of several configurations possible. Reading also make changes, with Sean Morrison missing out through injury at the back – his place goes to Alex Pearce with Kaspars Gorkss returning to the bench as cover. Gareth McCleary gets a start on the flank ahead of Hal Robson-Kanu, while Noel Hunt is also drafted in up front; Jason Roberts makes way.
