Sunderland boss Regis Le Bris could start one surprise man against Plymouth Argyle.
The Black Cats are set to face off against a highly out-of-form Plymouth Argyle side at the Stadium of Light.
Sunderland will be hoping to build on their recent win on their travels against Derby County, which saw Eliezer Mayenda shine up top and bag the sole goal of the victory.
Coming up against Plymouth will provide a similar challenge for Regis Le Bris’ side, who have not won a single Championship game in their last 14, undergoing a manager change weeks ago with Wayne Rooney departing from the south coast.
The game could provide an opportunity for Le Bris to rest one-or-two of the players that have potentially been utilised to their full extent, which in turn could see the French boss throw up one surprise in the team selection at 2pm.
Regis Le Bris could utilise Adil Aouchiche for Sunderland vs Plymouth Argyle despite transfer calls
Sunderland midfielder Adil Aouchiche has just started three games so far this season, and Enzo Le Fee’s recent arrival on loan from Roma has thrown up some doubt in whether he will be at the club past the January transfer window.
Nonetheless, Sunderland boss Le Bris could very well give the under-utilised Frenchman an opportunity to shine amid the potential calls that he may be moved on, with a clash at home against an out-of-form side certainly set to be a good opportunity to watch him thrive.
In turn, moving Aouchiche out wide will also give Le Bris the opportunity to hand Le Fee a start through the middle, where the French boss has already admitted that he would be more effective for Sunderland.
Adil Aouchiche deserves chance after limited yet exciting showings this season
Whilst Sunderland fans have seen very little of Aouchiche so far this season, the Frenchman, in his limited opportunities of first-team football, has already shown his quality, with his start against Stoke City standing out as a top performance by him.
Whilst the depth in wide areas is set to improve with the imminently returning Romaine Mundle and Tommy Watson, Aouchiche still does offer value as an option for Le Bris.
He has had to be patient for any opportunities he has been handed this season, and the Black Cats winger has shone when utilised. If he is to be lined up with a move this January, he deserves one more chance to show his worth, and the Plymouth clash is a perfect moment for him to do so.