Sunderland boss Regis Le Bris will be wary of one Stoke City key man, whilst also should know to exploit another.
The Black Cats are set to face off with an out-of-form Stoke City side as they look to continue their promotion push into the new calendar year.
Regis Le Bris’ side will be hoping to improve on a solid point on their travels against Blackburn Rovers, which saw Wilson Isidor notably get back to goalscoring ways, and he was joined by Chris Rigg on the scoresheet.
Unfortunately, it looks likely that Sunderland will be without Rigg due to injury for the clash with Stoke City, another addition to the ever-growing injury list for the French boss.
Unlike the trip to Blackburn Rovers, Sunderland should be looking to pick up all three points against Stoke City, and there is one man that Le Bris should be instructing his side to exploit.
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Sunderland should look to exploit Stoke City defender Eric Bocat
Stoke City have been far from the peak of their powers in recent games, having not recorded a single win in their last nine games, and much of that has come down to their defensive troubles.
As a result, there will no doubt be plenty of pressure on the Sunderland frontline to perform, particularly Patrick Roberts, who will find himself up against left-back Eric Bocat, who the Black Cats could very much look to exploit.
The Stoke City full-back, per SofaScore, has already had one defensive error leading to a goal conceded this season, and has also given away two penalties in the campaign.
Recording just one interception, and 1.7 tackles per game, there is no doubt that Roberts could have a field day against the Frenchman, especially with the Sunderland winger enduring some decent form this season.
Regis Le Bris must be aware of the quality of Viktor Johansson
Stoke City’s quality outfield is far and few, however, there is no doubt that they often turn towards shot-stopper Viktor Johansson to save them the points.
The Swedish goalkeeper has been a revelation for the Potters ever since signing from recently-relegated Rotherham United in the summer, having prevented 7.62 goals.
He has also recorded the most saves in the Championship this season out of any goalkeeper, with it totalling 89, 12 more than any other. He has also recorded the most run outs, and has conceded just one goal from outside the box.
Sunderland should not have any issues playing their way around this Stoke City side, but goals will be far and few if they can’t exploit Johansson, who has without a doubt been in top form this season.