BBC pundit Nick Barnes has given his view on how the Sunderland front three should shape up this weekend.
Sunderland will be hoping to get back to winning ways this weekend as they face a trip to South Wales against Swansea City.
Whilst Swansea boss Luke Williams believes that Sunderland will likely be very dangerous, Black Cats fans may not be as convinced after the news that Tommy Watson will be missing the game, as well as the next two months of action after sustaining an injury in the 1-1 draw against Bristol City.
Sunderland are also without Romaine Mundle until at least the start of 2025, meaning that Regis Le Bris is set for a difficult decision on who to utilise as part of his front three.
With the options available, BBC pundit Nick Barnes believes that there is only one clear solution for the French boss this weekend.
Regis Le Bris told what Sunderland front line should be utilised vs Swansea City
Sunderland’s attacking options are incredibly threadbare at this moment in time due to the injuries littered around the squad.
This has left the likes of Eliezer Mayenda, Aaron Connolly and Nazariy Rusyn available for Le Bris, but BBC pundit Barnes believes that it is obvious who the French boss should opt for.
Per BBC Sounds, Barnes said: “Although he’s got the possibility he could play Isidor wide, he could play Aouchiche wide, he could play Rusyn wide, I don’t think that’s going to happen.”
Asked who he thinks will play on the left side for Sunderland against Swansea City, Barnes replied: “Mayenda. He’ll play on the left and Isidor will play up front.”
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Sunderland should consider alternative option to lead the line vs Swansea City
It is certainly surprising that Barnes mentioned the options of Rusyn, as well as Adil Aouchiche, both of whom will be incredibly unlikely to notch any game time despite the injuries. However, he didn’t suggest that Connolly could be a decent option for Le Bris to play in attack.
With the Irish international forward now back at full fitness, there is very little reason as to why he wouldn’t at least be considered.
Connolly has been patient in waiting for his opportunity to play in red & white, and whilst many may suggest that he has been given plenty of chances, just the two starts is clearly not enough.
The attacker bagged his only goal in his second start for the Black Cats, but has since been handed just 17 minutes of action, despite being fully fit, and whilst he undoubtedly deserves more game time up until this point, the upcoming clash with Swansea City is the perfect time for Le Bris to correct his previous mistakes with the Irishman’s minutes.