Slav set to release strike duo

Slaven Bilic has dropped a heavy hint that both Diafra Sakho and Andy Carroll will play a part in the match at Sunderland this weekend.

Many questioned the manager’s decision to keep the pair on the bench against Swansea but it has become clear since that neither were 100 per cent.

Had the team been at 0-0 or 1-0 down his decision to play them would have been different but given there was no necessity he decided to protect them.

However at his press conference this morning Slav indicated that both of his two main front men may well be released on almost down Sunderland.

Speaking at the Rush Geen training centre he said: “With Andy, he could play for 15-20 minutes against Swansea, but this Saturday is completely different. It’s the same with Diafra.”