How will Mike Dodds reorganize his Sunderland team in order to manage the absence of Jack Clarke?

As Sunderland faces the challenge of playing without Jack Clarke, manager Mike Dodds is set to make changes in the team’s line-up. With a debut and a tactical tweak in mind, Dodds aims to find a solution to cope with Clarke’s absence.

Mike Dodds is set to make his debut as Sunderland manager once again, this time making tactical tweaks to cope with the absence of Jack Clarke. How will he reshuffle his side to fill the void left by Clarke’s absence? It seems like a familiar situation as Dodds takes the reins once more, hoping to replicate his previous success before Michael Beale took over.

The previous occasion saw a successful run, winning two out of three games under his leadership until Michael Beale’s interference disrupted the flow.

This time around, the challenge may be tougher due to the absence of injured players Jack Clarke and Patrick Roberts, along with the suspension of Dan Ballard.

Nevertheless, this situation presents an opportunity for him to experiment with different tactical formations, as he hinted at an unconventional team selection for the upcoming match against Swansea.

Why not take a shot at predicting an innovative Sunderland lineup?

Sunderland expected lineup against Swansea 3-4-3

GK: Anthony Patterson – His recent performances have not been up to par, but with no real competition, is there a correlation?

RWB: Trai Hume – Was he intentionally ignored by Michael Beale? If so, did this play a significant role in the club’s decision to dismiss the former Rangers manager? We may never find out, but hopefully, Hume’s only concern against Swansea is his performance on the field. I predict he will be moved up to a wingback role.

CB: Jenson Seelt – Mike Dodds has hinted that Seelt will get a chance at centre back in place of the suspended Dan Ballard.

CB: Luke O’Nien – The captain is on thin ice with one more booking leading to a two-match suspension, but his leadership remains crucial.

CB: Leo Hjelde – Despite rumors on social media, the Norwegian is ready to play and could be shifted to his preferred central position.

LWB: Callum Styles – Ready for his debut following appendix surgery, and it would be intriguing to see him step into the left wingback position to provide cover for the absence of Jack Clarke.

CM: Dan Neil – If he is fit, he will definitely be in the starting lineup. It’s a straightforward decision.

CM: Pierre Ekwah – Struggled to find his top form under Michael Beale, but let’s be honest, who didn’t apart from Jack Clarke?

RW: Romaine Mundle – Made a positive impact during his full debut against Birmingham. I expect him to continue on the right side of a narrow front three, aiming to disrupt Swansea’s possession at the back.

CF: Jobe Bellingham – We all know the strong bond between the Bellinghams and Mike Dodds. It’s more a matter of where Jobe will play rather than if he will play, and he could potentially take up the center forward position in this match.

Nazariy Rusyn could potentially step in for Jack Clarke on the left wing, especially considering his success in scoring goals from that position in Ukraine last season. His presence could prove valuable for Sunderland’s high pressing strategy against Swansea.