Regis Le Bris aims to complete a remarkable 2024 record with Sunderland at the Stadium of Light

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Sunderland have enjoyed an excellent start to their 2024/25 season, and much of this is down to the appointment of Regis Le Bris.

Le Bris has guided the Black Cats to fourth place in the table, a point behind newly relegated Burnley and five behind top club Sheffield United.

Sunderland face Norwich City this weekend in their final home game of 2024. The home side have the opportunity to go second at Christmas if they win and other results go their way.

Their opposition, the Canaries, are the second top scorers in the league but have struggled defensively, conceding 32, the sixth most of any Championship side this campaign.

It is likely Sunderland will stick with the same line-up that won at Swansea last weekend, with Elizer Mayenda keeping his place down the left flank, following the injury to Tommy Watson.

One of the keys to such a blistering start this term has been Sunderland’s near-flawless record at the Stadium of Light.

Le Bris challenges Sunderland to finish 2024 unbeaten at home

Sunderland have enjoyed an excellent run at home this season, winning six and drawing four.

And Le Bris, in his programme notes ahead the game against Norwich, said: “As we reach the halfway stage of the season, in the dressing room and the stands, we must not be content with our progress, and we cannot afford to relax.

“Instead, we must be relentless in the pursuit of our objectives and that starts [on Saturday].

“For now, we are unbeaten at home and as players, staff, and supporters, we have all played our part.

“Let’s come together from the moment the teams enter the field and ensure we end 2024 with that record.”

A breakdown of Sunderland’s home record under Le Bris

A win against Norwich will ensure Le Bris preserves his unbeaten home record. The Canaries have drawn two and lost three of their last five away games, their most recent a 0-0 draw against 22nd-placed Portsmouth at Fratton Park.

Sunderland have picked 22 of their 40 points at home this season; only Leeds United, Sheffield United and Watford have managed more.

Their success is built on a defence that has only conceded six times at home, and conceded 0.96 expected goals per match. They have kept six home clean sheets, the joint fifth highest in the division.

However, they are also prolific in front of goal with 17 goals scored at 1.7 per match, above their expected goals of 1.59 per match.

While the likes of Stoke, Norwich, Coventry and Derby have failed to keep it tight defensively, Le Bris’ side have been brilliant at both ends of the pitch.

Considering that Sunderland finished in 16th and just six points above the relegation zone in 2023/24, it has been a brilliant turnaround.