Le Bris Forced Into Reshuffle at the Amex

Brighton v Sunderland Team News: Le Bris Forced Into Reshuffle at the Amex

Sunderland head coach Régis Le Bris has been compelled to reorganise his side for the trip to Brighton, with several key players unavailable due to international duty ahead of the Africa Cup of Nations.

The absences of Reinildo Mandava, Noah Sadiki, Bertrand Traoré and Chemsdine Talbi have disrupted Le Bris’ original plans, prompting a number of positional changes as Sunderland line up at the Amex Stadium.

Trai Hume is restored to the starting XI and is expected to slot in at left-back, deputising for Reinildo as part of a traditional back four. His return brings both familiarity and balance to the defensive unit.

There is also a notable tactical tweak involving Lutsharel Geertruida. Although named in the starting side, the RB Leipzig loanee is not expected to feature in central defence. Instead, Le Bris appears set to deploy him in a holding midfield role, effectively filling the gap left by Sadiki’s departure.

Further changes see Simon Adingra and Chris Rigg return to the lineup, with both players likely to operate in the wide attacking positions. Adingra, facing his former club following his summer departure, is set to start on the left flank, while Rigg is expected to take up a role on the right.

Up front, Brian Brobbey keeps his place after an eye-catching display in Sunderland’s derby victory over Newcastle United. His selection means Wilson Isidor and Eliezer Mayenda once again begin proceedings among the substitutes.

Confirmed line-ups

Brighton (4-2-3-1):
Verbruggen; Wieffer, Coppola, Boscagli, Kadioglu; Ayari, Hinshelwood; Minteh, de Cuyper, Rutter; Gruda.

Subs: Steele, Watson, Kostoulas, Milner, Mitoma, Veltman, Knight, Simmonds, Oriola.

Sunderland (4-2-3-1):
Roefs; Mukiele, Ballard, Alderete, Hume; Geertruida, Xhaka; Rigg, Le Fee, Adingra; Brobbey.

Subs: Patterson, Cirkin, Neil, Mayenda, Isidor, Mundle, Hjelde, Jones, Diarra.