Sunderland manager Regis Le Bris has made it quite obvious that one player is set to feature in the starting XI against West Brom on Tuesday night.
Sunderland are in somewhat unknown territory going into their game against West Brom at the Stadium of Light, with Regis Le Bris’ side no longer in 1st place of the Championship table.
The Black Cats now sit in 2nd place with Leeds United in 1st and Sheffield United in 3rd, with all three teams on 32 points for the season so far.
It comes after Sunderland drew 1-1 away at Millwall on Saturday in what was another game where Le Bris’ side threw away the lead, this time conceding a devastating injury time equaliser.
Tuesday’s opponents West Brom sit in 6th place of the table. Carlos Corberan’s side are six points behind the three joint-leaders in the Championship and come into their game on Wearside unbeaten in eight, though seven of those games have been draws.
Regis Le Bris makes obvious Patrick Roberts hint ahead of West Brom
For West Brom, Le Bris will have some key players back from suspension in Jobe Bellingham, Trai Hume, and Patrick Roberts.
All three were unavailable for the game against Millwall and all three look set to return to the XI against West Brom, including Roberts.
Roberts may be the one player who might not walk straight back into the XI. But Le Bris has hinted that Roberts does start against West Brom.
Discussing Chris Rigg and the teen’s connections on the pitch, Le Bris said: “We have individuals but more importantly it’s how we connect to create something new.
“Rigg is a great example of this; he is 30-40% better when he plays with Patrick. When he’s connected he’s really impressive. We need more of those connections.”
With Rigg no doubt set to start against West Brom, and Roberts fit from a three-week break, the the pair surely start in attack together.
- READ MORE: Regis Le Bris shares strange verdict on Millwall’s late goal vs Sunderland – fans won’t like it
Gary Bennett agrees with Regis Le Bris on Patrick Roberts
Le Bris’ comments on Roberts are certainly interesting, especially when looking back to some comments from BBC pundit and former Sunderland man Gary Bennett.
During the dominant win against Oxford United in October, Bennett hailed the link up play of Roberts at Sunderland, who shone that game.
Bennett also pushed Roberts to start taking on more shots himself with the 27-year-old having just one goal to his name in 15 Championship outings this season.
“When he’s in that form, it’s a pleasure to watch him,” Bennett started.
“He’s great the way he links up. I think I would like to see him pull the trigger a lot more because he gets past one, two, three, and he wants to do again. Pull that trigger!”
Sunderland against West Brom kicks off at 8pm on Tuesday night, and the game will be shown live on Sky Sports.