AliousSunderland will take on Hull City at the Stadium of Light this Saturday, with head coach Régis Le Bris facing crucial selection decisions as his side aims to bounce back to winning ways. Here’s a look at the potential lineup and substitutes for the Black Cats.
Predicted Starting XI:
1. GK – Anthony Patterson**
– The undisputed first-choice goalkeeper for Sunderland.
2. **RB – Trai Hume**
– A key performer on the right flank, contributing a goal and three assists in his last five games.
3. **CB – Dan Ballard**
– Arguably Sunderland’s most in-form defender, making him a near-certainty to start.
4. **CB – Luke O’Nien**
– A dependable figure in central defense whose ball distribution is vital, especially in home games.
5. **LB – Dennis Cirkin**
– Provides an overlapping threat down the left, complementing Enzo Le Fée on the wing.
6. **CM – Dan Neil**
– Sunderland’s captain remains a key part of the midfield, though Salis Abdul Samed offers an alternative for extra defensive stability.
7. **CM – Chris Rigg**
– Despite rotation concerns, Rigg should continue to feature as other midfielders work their way back to full fitness.
8. **CM – Jobe Bellingham**
– A crucial part of the team’s setup, though he’s one booking away from a suspension.
9. **RW – Ian Poveda**
– Le Bris might start him to provide fresh energy, giving Patrick Roberts a well-earned rest.
10. **LW – Enzo Le Fée**
– While Sunderland wants to move him into a central role, injuries mean he’s likely to stay on the left for now.
11. **ST – Wilson Isidor**
– In excellent form, with his goal against Leeds proving his finishing ability.
Predicted Substitutes:
12. **Simon Moore** – Backup goalkeeper after Patterson’s recent return from injury.
13. **Patrick Roberts** – Could be an impact sub after a heavy workload.
14. **Chris Mepham** – A key defender who has been displaced by Ballard’s strong form.
15. **Eliezer Mayenda** – Pushing for starts but will likely make an impact from the bench.
16. **Leo Hjelde** – Covers both central and left-sided defensive roles, especially crucial after Aji Alese’s injury.
17. **Milan Aleksic** – A promising midfielder who remains in the squad despite limited minutes.
18. **Salis Abdul Samed** – Gaining match fitness but yet to hit top form after a long injury absence.
19. **Alan Browne** – Now fit again and ready for his first minutes since November.
20. **Romaine Mundle** – Back in full training and could make his return from a hamstring injury off the bench.
With Sunderland currently pushing for a strong finish in the Championship, this lineup balances continuity with necessary squad rotation as Le Bris prepares for a crucial clash against Hull City.
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