Sunderland are back in action this weekend with a promising home tie against Hull City, but who will Regis Le Bris put into his starting XI for the big game?
The Black Cats are desperate to get back to winning ways after the disappointing, last-minute defeat to promotion rivals Leeds United on Monday night.
Fans were unhappy with Le Bris for his approach to that game, with Sunderland accused of inviting pressure and allowing Leeds to take control of the second half at Elland Road.
Hull will present a very different challenge, of course, with the Tigers battling relegation this season. A scrappy game is on the cards, then, but one that Sunderland are still predicted to win.
Regis Le Bris has decisions to make, though. Does he stick with the team that lost the game on Monday, or switch things up with big-game players returning from injury?
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Sunderland team and injury news
As things stand, Le Bris is going into the weekend with a Sunderland squad that is almost completely free of injury issues.
Alan Browne and Romaine Mundle are back and available for selection. They made the bench on Monday but were unused on the night.
Meanwhile, Tommy Watson should be back in training this week, and Jayden Danns will not be far behind him. The Hull game will likely be too soon for the young pair, though.
Aji Alese is out for the season, and is the only long-term injury for Le Bris to deal with at the moment.
Sunderland predicted XI vs Hull City
There are a few changes that Le Bris could and maybe should make for the Hull City clash. With players returning from injury, some regular starters failing to make an impact, and one player walking a suspension tightrope, how will the Sunderland manager tackle this one?
Defensively, there’s a debate to be had as to whether Chris Mepham makes his way back into the starting lineup. Both Dan Ballard and Luke O’Nien started the last two games, and neither really put a foot wrong against Leeds, but we suspect Mepham will take over from the latter here.
In midfield, Patrick Roberts was called out for failing to make a difference in attacking areas, but Le Bris has very few options to replace him unless he plays someone out of position.
Speaking of, Enzo Le Fee has been operating on the left for too long, and would be far better suited to playing through the middle. We think it’s finally time that happened, and the fatigued Chris Rigg will get a rest allowing that change to happen.
Romaine Mundle should be ready for his first appearance since November and will take Le Fee’s spot on the left wing.
One of the main issues for Le Bris, though, is that Jobe Bellingham is close to a suspension after picking up his ninth booking of the season. One more yellow card before game 38 and he’ll get a two-match ban, which is not ideal.
We don’t think Le Bris will withdraw the influential midfielder at this juncture, but don’t be surprised to see that happen at some point in the very near future.
Sunderland team to face Hull City:
Anthony Patterson; Trai Hume, Chris Mepham, Dan Ballard, Dennis Cirkin; Dan Neil, Jobe Bellingham, Enzo Le Fee, Patrick Roberts, Romaine Mundle; Wilson Isidor.