Should Jack Ross change up Sunderland’s attack-line when we take on Portsmouth at Wembley?

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This past weekend saw Sunderland come from behind to bag a vital win in their search for automatic promotion. Free-scoring Lee Cattermole found the net once again, but it was Will Grigg’s long range strike that saw Ross’ men secure maximum points.

However, for large parts of last weekend’s game - and indeed during many games prior to the Walsall win - Grigg found himself isolated and frustrated.

The former Wigan man works relentlessly for his side, and often shows some good touches when coming deep, but the style in which Sunderland play has often left the striker with limited service.

The introduction of Charlie Wyke on Saturday helped change Sunderland’s game, though. The burly forward occupied Walsall’s defence, allowing Grigg to find time and space in more attacking positions. Sunderland’s goal came from a great probing pass from Power that allowed Wyke to flick the ball onto Grigg, who duly dispatched his effort.

Moving into the Wembley final, Jack Ross is now left with an important question: should he continue with the same style and system of play, or adapt and take an attacking approach into the final on March 31st?

Sunderland AFC via Getty Images

It’s a much-used cliche, but many argue that attack is the best form of defence. Going into our Wembley final, Jack Ross could well be considering that old adage as he plans his side’s route to silverware.

Ross might well be hesitant to change a formation and style that has so far served the club relatively well. Our approach hasn’t exactly blown away the rest of the division, but Ross’ men are organized, threatening, and have only suffered two league defeats all season.

Perhaps Wyke, and a two man attack, is now a plan b to be deployed if our primary system struggles to prove effective.

However, winning a final having approached the game with a more attacking mentality could also prove to be a catalyst that not only secures silverware, but also ignites the final weeks of the season.

Sunderland AFC

So, heading into the Wembley final, Jack Ross is left with a positive issue. Does he persist with the side and approach that he’s trusted for large parts of this season? Does he look to be more adventurous and play with two recognised strikers? Or, does he use Wyke as a second forward merely as a plan b?

It is a big decision to be made, and one that could have enormous ramifications for the remainder of our campaign.

What would you do?

Comment below, on our social media posts, or send us a post/tweet and we’ll include your ideas and thoughts in a follow-up article.