Sunderland return to Championship action this weekend following a three week break due to the World Cup.

The Black Cats are catching up on a game in hand, with the rest of the second division set to return next weekend.

Millwall visit the Stadium of Light as Tony Mowbray’s side look to gain ground on their rivals.

Victory could see Sunderland rise to 10th in the table and close the gap to the play-off places to just one point.

It is the Lions who occupy that coveted 6th place, so a defeat would only extend the gap to a top six position.

That puts a lot riding on this game, with Sunderland looking to also lay down a marker for the second half of the season.

Here is how we predict Mowbray will line up his side to face Millwall on Saturday…

Dennis Cirkin missed Sunderland’s most recent fixtures due to a calf issue, but should be available to step back into the side having had time to recover over the break.

That should ease Mowbray’s injury concerns, with Sunderland suffering more than most teams heading into the World Cup.

Danny Batth, Bailey Wright and Luke O’Nien are likely to make up the back four, with O’Nien having served his suspension in the victory over Birmingham City in November.

 

 

Corry Evans and Dan Neil will retain their partnership in midfield, as Mowbray continues his use of a 4-2-3-1.

Jack Clarke, Alex Pritchard and Amad Diallo have all impressed in recent fixtures, so should be the make-up of the attack.

Ross Stewart is nearing a return to fitness, but Ellis Simms will continue to lead the line as the forward prepares for his comeback.