Sunderland boss Regis Le Bris may make a bold call in the Black Cats’ next game against Leeds United.
Following the Black Cats’ recent Championship triumph against Luton Town, Sunderland will face off against Leeds United in a promotion six-pointer.
The game will bring up many dilemmas for Regis Le Bris, who will have decisions to make over his attacking ranks.
For example, whilst his decision to utilise Wilson Isidor as a sole-striker has resulted in inconsistent performances from his side, he will be set to use it once again after the Frenchman bagged a well-taken finish to see off the Hatters.
However, another key decision will have to be made in regards to the Black Cats backline, with Chris Mepham, Luke O’Nien, and Dan Ballard in contention for spots in the side, something that may likely see Le Bris make a bold call.
Regis Le Bris could continue to opt for Dan Ballard and Luke O’Nien as Chris Mepham continues on Sunderland bench
Sunderland’s upcoming clash against Leeds United will bring up an important decision to be made by Le Bris, with the French boss having a host of decent centre-back options to choose from.
The win against Luton Town surprisingly saw Ballard utilised alongside O’Nien, and it resulted in great success for Sunderland, and as a result, it would likely mean that Le Bris will name an unchanged defence against Leeds United.
Because of this, the Black Cats boss will once again have to drop Mepham, who has been ‘sensational’ on many occasions this season, notching 25 starts in the Championship.
Regis Le Bris selection headache provides positive problem for Black Cats boss
In the 2024/25 Championship season, Le Bris has had many bold decisions to make over player selection, and the recent task involving his centre-backs is just another example of this.
Whilst it will be difficult for the French boss to leave out a key player, it shows one massive benefit for Sunderland that has been non-existent in previous years, and that is the wealth of selection, with talent being abundant in each position across the pitch.
Having Mepham, O’Nien, and Ballard as options for the backline is exactly what is needed for a promotion-chasing outfit, and having that wealth of experience at the heart of the defence could prove to be the difference when coming up against the likes of Leeds United, and Speakman’s achievements in regards to recruitment have made this possible for Sunderland.