Sunderland boss Regis Le Bris will be wary of two Burnley players ahead of Friday’s clash, for the right and wrong reasons.
The Black Cats will face off against Burnley on Friday evening in which will be a stern test for Sunderland coming up against a fellow promotion chasing side.
It is expected that Sunderland will line up yet again with a frontline of both Eliezer Mayenda and Wilson Isidor, who will have the tricky responsibility of performing against the best defensive side in the Championship.
Burnley boss Scott Parker has made his side a force that is incredibly difficult to break down, conceding just nine goals in 26 games, and Regis Le Bris must make his side wary of one player they are set to come up against on Friday.
Sunderland must be wary of the ability of Burnley shot-stopper James Trafford
When looking at Burnley’s phenomenal defensive record in the Championship, one of the constants in the side is shot-stopper James Trafford, who has been spectacular for Parker’s side.
The goalkeeper, per SofaScore, has kept a total of 16 clean sheets this season, making 51 saves and preventing 6.89 goals.
The Englishman is also crucial in Burnley’s build-up play, with the goalkeeper getting plenty of coverage on the ball.
It will without a doubt be a difficult game for both Mayenda and Isidor up against a defence and Trafford that are on top form, but the Frenchman in particular could be crucial in utilising his pace against Parker’s backline, although, beating the goalkeeper will be the real task for Sunderland’s frontline.
Despite the top performances of the Burnley goalkeeper, there is an area that Sunderland could look to exploit on Friday evening.
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The Black Cats must look to exploit midfielder Hannibal Mejbri
As a team, Burnley have very few weak points, which explains why they have been so successful this season under Parker, however, there is one player that Le Bris’ side could look to exploit.
Burnley midfielder Hannibal Mejbri, whilst being a quality player, has somewhat of a tendency to be a player that is often targeted due to his hot streak of picking up fouls.
The Tunisian 21-year-old has already picked up five yellow cards this season, as well as a red card that was handed to him against Queens Park Rangers.
All it will take is for Sunderland to deploy a player to get under his skin and look to rile him up as there is no doubt that his hot streak he possesses could potentially backfire for himself and his side, in turn handing the advantage to the Black Cats.