Starting XI: As number 14… Will Mundle get a chance to shine in the Sunderland vs Burnley game?

At the time of writing, Clarke’s departure has not been officially confirmed but it is imminent, so I think he is far more likely to be sitting in the Manchester City stands today than on the pitch at the Stadium of Light, regardless of what is announced. So that’s it – it’s a shame he didn’t see his future here, but all the best Jack – it was a pleasure.

When one door closes, another opens. Wilson Isidor came on yesterday – but not in time to play today. I would expect to see him on the bench next weekend before he has the international break to settle in. He is someone who can play on the left, although he described himself as a striker in his club interview, so it’s a fair assumption that he will play there – the left wing spot is still up for grabs.

We have Mundle, Watson and Bennette in the squad who are left wingers by trade and it’s interesting that Spurs let Clarke go in the first place because of Mundle’s potential. They wanted him to stay, he wanted to go and he’s ended up here – potentially as Clarke’s successor.

You can make a case for giving all three a chance – I seem to like Bennette more than most, but I expect Mundle to get the nod today with Watson on the bench. And I wouldn’t be surprised if we bring in another left winger this week too.

Today’s opponents Burnley will be tough opponents and it will be a great test to see where we stand compared to them this afternoon.

Goalkeeper: Anthony Patterson

Two clean sheets is a perfect start to the season for Patterson. I thought he would be busier against Sheff Wed than he was against Cardiff – and he was a little bit… I think he will be busier again today.

Photo by Nigel French/PA Images via Getty Images

Defense: Trai Hume, Luke O’Nien, Aji Alese, Dennis Cirkin

The back four have looked pretty strong so far and hopefully we’ll see that again today. Cirkin put in an excellent performance against Wednesday after his good performance in Cardiff, Alese looks stronger with each game and Luke O’Nien was simply outstanding. And Hume was solid too! Same again, boys.

Photo by Ian Horrocks/Sunderland AFC via Getty Images

Midfield: Dan Neil, Alan Browne, Jobe

Now it gets interesting. Chris Rigg came in for the injured Alan Browne last weekend and did exceptionally well, so will Le Bris stick with Rigg or bring Browne back into the team, who appears to have fully recovered? I think the former Preston captain will get the nod and his experience could be vital today – but I certainly wouldn’t be disappointed if Rigg kept his place because I think he’s brilliant – he’s a real joy to watch. Dan Neil will play at goalkeeper and Jobe will take the other midfield spot.

Photo by Ian Horrocks/Sunderland AFC via Getty Images

Attack: Patrick Roberts, Eliezer Mayenda, Romaine Mundle

Romaine, Romaine will tear you to shreds again… Let’s hope so. The former Spurs youth player is likely to get his chance to stake his claim as Clarke’s successor this afternoon and hopefully he will take it. He looked good in pre-season at Bradford and had a decent first half at Preston in the cup, so let’s hope he can improve. In attack, Roberts will play on the right, with last week’s goalscorer Mayenda at the heart of it. Despite the arrival of Isidor, Mayenda has the shirt and another good performance today will ensure he keeps it.

Photo by Dave Howarth – CameraSport via Getty Images