Sunderland head coach Dick Advocaat is likely to chop and change his team again as they make the daunting trip to Old Trafford at the weekend. 

Goalkeeper

This spot could have been up-to-date, if things had gone differently in their Capital One Cup tie against Manchester City on Tuesday night. However, Vito Mannone had somewhat of a shocker in the 4-1 defeat - which was coincidentally his first appearance of the new campaign.

Therefore, there is no real pressure being applied on the club's number one goalkeeper - Costel Pantilimon - who has been one of the club's better performers and should return in goal as normal.

Defence

Things could very well be shaken up at the back this week as Sunderland go in search of a successful formula in this area, having leaked goals at will no matter who is playing there. Starting on the right though, Billy Jones seems like a certain choice - as his performances have steadily improved recently and Advocaat stated he has been the best player in the team over the past two matchdays.

Meanwhile in the middle, you'd expect Younes Kaboul will slot straight back into the side after serving his one-game suspension following his red card against Bournemouth. This decision, being more down to the poor form of Sebastian Coates as opposed to his own performances.

John O'Shea will definitely be his central partner, as he has calmed things down at the back for the most part. That being taken into account though, he hardly covered himself in glory with a lacklustre display against the Citizens during midweek.

Across to the left, and the most-discussed position within the team this week. Patrick van Aanholt is most probably expected to remain in that spot for now, at least - although the Dutchman has struggled recently. As a result of this though, Tottenham loanee DeAndre Yedlin could be deployed there in the nearby future, after an impressive debut in midweek.

Midfield

The formation for this one will definitely not be switched from a 4-5-1 bearing in mind the opponent, so that'll mean that three central midfielders are playing. The defence are low on confidence as it is and will undoubtedly need support in this game.

This, would be the reasoning behind the midfield partnership of Lee Cattermole and Yann M'Vila - together as a DM pairing, to break up play and stop counter-attacks before they become dangerous.

Meanwhile further forward than that, you cannot see anyone else other than Ola Toivonen supporting a lone striker, whoever that may be. His confidence will be lifted as well having scored his first goal at Wearside - albeit a consolation strike against the league leaders.

Attack

Advocaat seems to be keen on bringing back Adam Johnson to the team, having come straight back into the side following a long-term injury on the right-hand side of a front-three. He has not particularly excelled in his few games back, but due to fitness doubts over other attacking options, he's mostly likely going to be featuring again.

On the other flank, it picks itself really. Jeremain Lens has contributed the most to the team thus far, with a goal as well as three assists since his summer switch.

The last spot to fill then is the main striker role and there are two main contenders with Jermain Defoe and Fabio Borini set to battle it out for one position. However the decision seems to be self-explanatory for Advocaat - as Defoe is reportedly doubtful with a hamstring injury along with Borini having a decent outing in the cup where he was unlcuky to have a goal disallowed. 

Taking all of that into account...

My predicted XI to face United (4-2-3-1): Pantilimon; Jones, O'Shea, Kaboul, van Aanholt; Cattermole, M'Vila; Johnson, Lens, Toivonen and Borini.