Sunderland boss Regis Le Bris was questioned over one team selection decision before the Sheffield Wednesday win, but he could repeat it.
Sunderland beat Sheffield Wednesday on Friday evening, with Eliezer Mayenda bagging a brace to send Regis Le Bris’ side towards a massive three points at Hillsborough Stadium.
Mayenda’s first goal proved to be controversial, with former Sheffield Wednesday man Clinton Morrison believing that the goal should have been chalked off. However, there was nothing to question about his second, coming from a spectacular cross from Trai Hume to find the head of the Spaniard, who made no mistake to send the ball past Owls goalkeeper James Beadle.
The Sunderland striker was handed his first start since the away victory against Derby County, and it was done so in relatively surprising fashion as very few expected the in-form Wilson Isidor to be benched in place of the Spaniard.
However, one stat suggests that Mayenda deserves an extended opportunity to lead the line, and it could be a reason why Le Bris went for the striker against Sheffield Wednesday.
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Eliezer Mayenda record when starting should sway Regis Le Bris to start him for Sunderland
This season, Sunderland have had the luxury of two top forwards in the squad that can be utilised centrally, being Isidor and Mayenda.
The pair have shone in front of goal, either as a pair, or alone up front, although admittedly, Isidor has been handed more opportunities to lead the line.
However, one stat suggests that Mayenda is more productive as an attacker when starting compared to his French counterpart. Taking into account all minutes played in games they have started, Isidor has averaged a goal or assist every 171 minutes in the current Championship season, whilst Mayenda has done so every 123.3 minutes in games he has started.
Mayenda has got an edge when it comes to bringing other players into play, having notched five assists on top of his six Championship goals this season.
Regis Le Bris has two options ahead of Cardiff City clash
Sunderland will face Cardiff City this weekend, as they hope to do the double over the Bluebirds.
The Black Cats travelled to south Wales to face Cardiff on the opening day of the 2024/25 Championship season where Mayenda surprisingly started for Le Bris’ side, and according to the Spaniard, 19-year-old’s recent form, the reverse fixture should be no different.
This will raise questions in regards to Isidor, who has been Sunderland’s most potent goal threat this season, but notching two goals last time out simply makes Mayenda undroppable.
Le Bris will have two options, either the more likely approach of utilising Isidor from off the bench once again, or he can revert to a two-up-top formation and utilise the pair together, something that would be bold, but has worked earlier on this season.