Sunderland will be looking to extend their winning run to four league games against Southend United this weekend.

The Black Cats are unbeaten in six league games after an impressive 1-0 win away at Doncaster Rovers on Tuesday night, a result that leaves Jack Ross' men sitting in third place - one point behind Peterborough United with a game in hand.

Ross rarely likes to change a winning team, however with top scorer Josh Maja missing out on Tuesday night, perhaps he will be inclined to switch his team around ahead of a return to the Stadium of Light.

Southend will prove to be a tough test for the North East club though - Chris Powell's men have lost just one of their last seven games, winning five of those in the process.

But with the squad that Sunderland have on paper, they should be getting a result, and here, we take a look at the XI we expect Ross to field tomorrow afternoon.

McLaughlin has been an everpresent for Sunderland this season, and there is no reason whatsoever as to why that should change on Saturday afternoon.

Adam Matthews has been another regular under Ross, and the Welsh international should definitely retain his place in the team this weekend.

27-year old Flanagan has been impressive for the Black Cats since his emergence into the first team in late September.

Baldwin has forged a good understanding with Flanagan in a defence that has conceded just one goal in their last three league games.

This is a tough one for Ross - Bryan Oviedo is available for selection after his three-game ban following a red card against Peterborough, but Reece James has been very good in recent weeks and is likely to keep his place in the team.

Cattermole is a solid option in the middle of the park for Sunderland, and there is no reason why he should be dropped this weekend.

This is another tough one - Luke O'Nien has been fantastic since signing from Wycombe but McGeouch has been superb recently and should keep his place in the team.

Maguire is definitely going to keep his place in the team after netting the Black Cats' winner in midweek, taking his tally up to four goals for the season.

Captain Honeyman will be looking to continue his string of impressive performances this weekend.

Gooch was taken off late on in midweek for Aiden McGeady, but the 22-year old did just enough to retain his place in the team.

You just cannot leave out Maja of the side if he is fit and available.

The 19-year old has netted nine goals this season and is the division's top goalscorer - he should start this weekend.