Sunderland have a challenging Championship game coming up against Millwall on Saturday, with several unavailable for the Black Cats.
Sunderland make the dreaded trip to The Den on Saturday afternoon as Championship football returns after another two-week hiatus.
There’s no international break until March now, and for Regis Le Bris and his side, the going could quickly get tough as games come thick and fast.
Already there are signs of the Black Cats’ early momentum slowing down. Before the international break, Sunderland drew 2-2 against Coventry City in a game they led 2-0 at half-time, marking a third-straight draw in the league.
Still, Sunderland sit in 1st place of the Championship table but have now seen Sheffield United in 2nd come onto level points.
For the game against Millwall, there are several Sunderland players injured or suspended and so Le Bris has some tricky selection calls to make.
But it looks like Adil Aouchiche and Abdoullah Ba could be line for rare chances this weekend.
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Sunderland team selection hint for Millwall as duo miss U21s clash
Sunderland’s U21s were in action on Tuesday night. But neither Aouchiche or Ba featured in the side and it’s now being speculated that the pair are set to feature against Millwall.
Le Bris is without Patrick Roberts through suspension and possibly Romaine Mundle through injury, whilst Jobe Bellingham is suspended and Alan Browne possibly injured.
That could mean a starting spot for Ba on the wing, and possibly for Aouchiche in the middle, handing both players what would be their first Championship starts of the season.
Aouchiche and Ba could’ve left Sunderland in the summer but stayed at the Stadium of Light. Though this Millwall game could be the only chance either player gets under Le Bris before January, potentially marking their last game for the club.
Expect Kristjaan Speakman to keep a close eye on both players this weekend, and potentially make his mind up on both ahead of January.
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Adil Aouchiche unsettled at Sunderland following Regis Le Bris arrival
Le Bris worked with Aouchiche at Lorient previously, though it didn’t work out for the French midfielder then, and it’s not working out now either.
Before the summer transfer window closed, it was reported that Aouchiche was unhappy at Sunderland and that he wanted out.
Though it conflicts later reports that he and Ba chose to stay despite having outside interest, and so it’d certainly make for interesting viewing to see how both players perform on Saturday, should they get on the pitch.
It’s looking pretty desperate for Le Bris in terms of team selection this weekend, and with Millwall sitting in 8th and looking strong, it could be a long afternoon for the Black Cats.