A series of fitness boosts for Regis Le Bris could see the Sunderland boss switch things up against West Brom.
Sunderland travel to West Brom this weekend as they look to notch an away victory against former boss Tony Mowbray.
There will be hopes that Sunderland can make it back-to-back Championship wins, having previously beaten Millwall last time out, a game that saw the side edge past Millwall, despite once again having issues from the penalty spot.
In the build-up to the clash for the Black Cats, Sunderland winger Tommy Watson has agreed a deal to join Brighton this summer. Many Sunderland fans want Watson dropped because of this, and there could be a chance that this influences Regis Le Bris’ selection decision.
Fortunately, despite the Watson saga, Sunderland are set for a boost surrounding players returning from injury…
Sunderland injury and fitness news ahead of West Brom clash
Sunderland are boosted by the return of Enzo Le Fee this weekend, whilst Leo Hjelde is also expected to be involved in some sort of capacity after returning to full fitness ahead of West Brom on Saturday, early afternoon.
On the flip side, Jenson Seelt and Dan Ballard are still set for extra time on the sidelines for Sunderland, whilst Ian Poveda and Salis Abdul Samed continue their spell on the sidelines.
Aji Alese is out for the season after a leg break, and Ahmed Abdullahi and Jayden Danns will be unavailable.
As a result, here is how Le Bris could line up his side on Saturday…
Black Cats predicted XI vs West Brom
In between the sticks for Sunderland, Le Bris will look towards Anthony Patterson, whilst Chris Mepham and Luke O’Nien will reinstate their centre-back positions.
As for full-back, Le Bris is left with a decision over whether to stick or twist because of the return of Hjelde, but the French man will more likely name an unchanged backline, which would see Alan Browne played at right-back, with Trai Hume on the left, where the pair played brilliantly against Millwall.
As for the centre of the park, Dan Neil and Jobe Bellingham have their name carved in stone for any starting side when they are available, and that will certainly be the case against West Brom. The next decision for Le Bris surrounds whether to continue with Chris Rigg, or utilise Enzo Le Fee from the start after his return from injury, the latter of which could be the bold choice that is made.
With Romaine Mundle and Patrick Roberts on the wings, Wilson Isidor and Eliezer Mayenda are the contenders to lead the line, but, after last time out, it would be no surprise to see Le Bris give the young Spaniard an opportunity.
Anthony Patterson
Alan Browne
Chris Mepham
Luke O’Nien
Trai Hume
Dan Neil
Jobe Bellingham
Enzo Le Fee
Romaine Mundle
Patrick Roberts
Eliezer Mayenda