Sunderland’s under-21s side are preparing to face Tottenham in the final of Premier League 2 – but how will the young Black Cats line up at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium?
Graeme Murty’s team claimed a dramatic semi-final win over Reading last time out, with Trey Ogunsuyi netting the winner in extra-time. The young Black Cats also beat West Ham on penalties in the quarter-finals, following a 4-1 win over Wolves in the last 16.
Chris Rigg won’t be available for Sunderland, though, after the midfielder joined up with England’s under-17s squad for the European Under-17 Championship finals in Cyprus.
Here’s how Sunderland could start against Tottenham:
1. GK: Adam Richardson
Richardson has started Sunderland’s last seven under-21s matches. The 20-year-old made a crucial save in the penalty shootout against West Ham in the quarter-finals and produced a big save in extra-time against Reading last time out. Photo: Frank Reid
2. RB: Ellis Taylor
The 21-year-old is set to leave Sunderland when his contract expires this summer, yet his form for the under-21s side has been excellent. Taylor scored a memorable hat-trick against Reading in the semi-finals, which came after a dramatic equaliser against West Ham to take the match to extra-time in the previous round.
3. CB: Henry Fieldson
With his contract set to expire this summer, the 18-year-old centre-back has been offered a new contract to stay at Sunderland. Fieldson has been a regular starter for the under-21s side this season. Photo: Chris Fryatt
4. CB: Luke Bell
Bell, 17, has also been offered a new contract to stay at Sunderland, after breaking into the under-21s side this season. The central defender has been at the club since the age of eight.
