Alious
Sunderland manager Régis Le Bris has strongly indicated that he plans to field Granit Xhaka and Noah Sadiki against Manchester City on Saturday, despite both players sitting on four yellow cards — just one caution away from an automatic suspension. The situation has sparked debate among supporters, particularly with the Wear-Tyne derby against Newcastle United looming next Sunday at the Stadium of Light.
The duo have so far navigated several matches without picking up their fifth yellow, and Le Bris seems confident that they can continue to manage the risk. Following a solid 1-1 draw at Anfield, the Sunderland head coach is keen to deploy his strongest lineup to maximize the team’s chances of another positive result.
“Maybe it means that we’ll have this opportunity against City,”* Le Bris said. *”We’ll try to play with our best team, knowing that this suspension problem can appear. At the minute, I think our players have managed the situation properly.”
While Sunderland face a formidable challenge in Manchester City, Le Bris praised his squad’s performance against Liverpool, noting their **discipline, tactical flexibility, and ability to adapt to different scenarios.
“Maybe the players are a little bit disappointed because it was possible we had the chance to score a second goal, but mainly they were proud of the way they played,” he explained. “Dominant with the ball in our 4-4-2, and then we worked hard in our back five, 5-4-1 in the low block. Different scenarios, different phases, different emotions — but in the end, we were consistent.”
Reflecting on the game’s key moments, Le Bris continued:
“We had the opportunity to score a second goal, but it was a good result for both teams. We started well; the first half was interesting with and without the ball. Probably we didn’t believe enough that it was possible to score, but we did it at the start of the second half. We were even a bit surprised to have time and space to build up play, and probably they didn’t expect us to operate at that level.”
He also highlighted the team’s preparation for Liverpool’s substitutions, including Mohamed Salah, which ensured Sunderland were tactically ready to adapt mid-game:
“We spoke about the final third and how to disrupt their back line. We expected Salah to come on and change the dynamics, so we were prepared. Overall, we are positive about the result.”
With Xhaka and Sadiki likely to start, Sunderland will rely on discipline and composure in midfield as they take on one of the league’s toughest opponents, while supporters keep one eye on potential yellow card risks ahead of the derby.
Alious
