Sunderland will view their upcoming game against Championship strugglers Plymouth Argyle as an absolute must-win in the race for Championship promotion in 2024/25.
So far, 2025 has been a very positive year for Sunderland. They’re unbeaten in league matches in the New Year having taken 10 points from a possible 12, also completing the extremely exciting loan signing of Enzo Le Fee from Roma.
It’s all looking up for Regis Le Bris’ side. But they’ve a potential banana skin lying ahead of them in Plymouth Argyle who visit the Stadium of Light on Saturday.
Earlier in the season, Plymouth beat Sunderland 3-2 at Home Park, dealing the Black Cats their first league defeat of the campaign. But the Green Army have since sacked Wayne Rooney and hired Austrian coach Miron Muslic.
He’s taken just one point from his opening three Championship games in charge, losing 5-0 at home to Burnley last time out. Sunderland beat Derby County 1-0 in their last outing and now sit in 4th place of the Championship table compared to Plymouth in last place.
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Sunderland team and injury news vs Plymouth Argyle, Aji Alese blow revealed
Speaking to the press on Thursday, Le Bris shared another update on Aji Alese. The defender picked up an injury in the FA Cup defeat vs Stoke City earlier in January, with Le Bris now confirming that Alese will miss the rest of the 2024/25 season.
Elsewhere, Ian Poveda is back in first-team contention after making his return with the U21s. Jenson Seelt also made his return with the U21s but remains a while away.
Likewise, Ahmed Abdullahi has been in action for the U21s but he too needs more time with them before coming into first-team contention.
Sunderland remain without Alan Browne, Niall Huggins, Romaine Mundle, and Tommy Watson.
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Predicted Sunderland lineup vs Plymouth Argyle
Sunderland have looked very strong in 2025, and even stronger since Le Fee’s arrival. Although many Sunderland fans think Le Fee is better-suited in central midfield, he has shone on the left.
Elsewhere, Le Bris may stick with two up front in Wilson Isidor and Eliezer Mayenda with Sunderland bound to attack Plymouth and put on a showing front of the home crowd.
We could even expect an unchanged lineup from the side that beat Derby County. Le Bris though could be pondering a change at centre-back with Dan Ballard fit to start, though it seems likely that he’ll stick with the Luke O’Nien and Chris Mepham partnership, which is looking strong right now.
Here’s how we think Sunderland will line up against Plymouth Argyle, with kick off at 3pm on Saturday…
Patterson (GK)
Cirkin
O’Nien
Mepham
Hume
Le Fee
Bellingham
Neil
Rigg
Isidor
Mayenda