Star man's final game, 'tidy' gem starts: Predicted Sunderland XI v Sheffield Wednesday - opinion

Sunderland are set to finally bring their 2023/24 campaign to a close this weekend.

It is a day that many Sunderland fans have been waiting since Michael Beale took charge, having since six of their last 24 matches in the Championship.

Currently sat in 15th place, the Black Cats will now prepare to host Sheffield Wednesday in their final day clash.

The Owls are still battling relegation and will need a single point at the Stadium of Light, while they could well finish only three points behind Sunderland if they win, despite spending a majority of the season in the bottom three.

Mike Dodds will hope he can end his tenure as interim coach with a victory, while many fans will just be looking forward to bringing in a new manager and getting ready for the next season.

With no new injury reports emerging this week, here is our predicted starting line-up this weekend.

Sunderland predicted XI v Sheffield Wednesday

Anthony Patterson is the first of many players who could play their final game for Sunderland this weekend, having been linked with Liverpool earlier this year.

The goalkeeper is likely to retain his position in between the sticks and will be eager to pick up his fifth clean sheet in nine games.

Dodds could return to four at the back after not picking up much luck in recent games.

Trai Hume remains one of Sunderland’s most consistent defenders and will start at right-back, with Timothee Pembele failing to claw his way back in.

Photo by MI News/NurPhoto via Getty Images

Dan Ballard and Luke O’Nien keep their places in central defence, though the latter could well have been banned for his handball last time out.

Aji Alese returns to left-back, having played part of the back three against Watford.

Callum Styles will get a chance in his natural midfield position, alongside Pierre Ekwah.

Adil Aouchiche is handed another opportunity further forward, with Jobe Bellingham taking up the central striker role.

Photo by Ian Horrocks/Sunderland AFC via Getty Images

Chris Rigg has been one of the few positives for much of this year, and he will keep his place on the right side of attack.

It could be an emotional day for Jack Clarke and the Sunderland fans, with the winger likely to play his last game for the club, with a summer move to the Premier League looming.

Clarke will be desperate to score a goal on home soil, having failed to do so since returning from injury.