Sunderland will be hoping to make it five wins on the bounce in the Championship.
Regis Le Bris’ side has shown so much determination, character and ability at this high level, despite the side being similar in regards to personnel to the side that finished 16th in the 2023/24 campaign.
The French boss has managed to come in and solve Sunderland’s mentality problems that was such a prominent issue under both Michael Beale and Mike Dodds last season.
The likes of Eliezer Mayenda and Romaine Mundle, who were unable to make the step up to the Championship six months ago, have had their careers transformed under Le Bris and he is certainly the one to thank for Sunderland currently sitting top of the league.
After four league wins in a row, whilst conceding just once, Sunderland will be hoping for another three points on the board as they face a trip to Plymouth Argyle after the international break.
With a week to go until the clash, this is how the Black Cats could line up.
Goalkeeper
Anthony Patterson will certainly be starting in-between the sticks for Sunderland as they face the trip down south to Plymouth Argyle.
He has started all four league games this season, claiming three clean sheets, and as a result it will be highly unlikely for him to be replaced by back-up goalkeeper Simon Moore.
Defence
Sunderland’s defence will unlikely be tinkered with, unless injuries potentially hit Le Bris’ side closer to the game.
Dennis Cirkin and Trai Hume have started the season in emphatic fashion, with them providing extra stability on the defensive side so far this campaign, and they will likely both be handed another start.
Dan Ballard will be coming off of the back of a period away from the squad as he joined up with Northern Ireland for the international break, however he will likely retain his spot at centre-back, alongside fellow defender Luke O’Nien. Chris Mepham won’t be introduced with a start for Sunderland
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Midfield
Le Bris’ midfield has been phenomenal so far this season, however the French boss will be left with a key decision to make on whether Dan Neil will return to the squad, and there is the likelihood that he will come in to replace new signing Alan Browne.
Whilst Browne has been brilliant so far since he signed from Preston North End, Neil having the captaincy makes him indispensable and must be brought back in with him being available.
Academy product Chris Rigg has cemented his place in the side after some brilliant performances to kick-start his 2024/25 season, and he will be joined by fellow youngster Jobe Bellingham in the centre-of-the-park.
Attack
Since signing from Zenit, Wilson Isidor has proven to be a real threat during his spells for the U21’s, however it is difficult to see Le Bris dropping Mundle after his goal against Portsmouth.
Patrick Roberts is likely to get another start for the Black Cats as he looks to continue his form for the 2024/25 Championship campaign as he looks a completely new player in comparison to last season.
Mayenda has more than held his own at Championship level for Sunderland so far this campaign and it will be likely that he leads the line.
Predicted XI: Patterson (GK), Cirkin, Ballard, O’Nien, Hume, Rigg, Neil, Bellingham, Mundle, Roberts, Mayenda