Regis Le Bris will certainly be looking towards one key man to diminish a major threat that Derby County may carry.
Sunderland are currently gearing up for an away clash with Derby County, a game that will see Regis Le Bris’ side hope to get back to winning ways against an out-of-form side.
The Black Cats’ recent 0-0 draw with Burnley brought out plenty of positives, from the debut of Enzo Le Fee, who looked deadly at times, to Sunderland’s defensive display against a promotion contender.
Coming up against Derby County, there will be every expectation that Sunderland should see off the Rams at Pride Park, with Paul Warne’s side currently enduring a streak of five losses in a row in all competitions.
Nonetheless, the Rams do have one major strength that they will be looking to utilise, and it is up to Regis Le Bris to discover that he in fact has their kryptonite in his side that must be taken advantage of.
Derby County height advantages must be taken care of by Regis Le Bris with key Sunderland man
Looking across the Derby County squad, it is clear that they prioritise strength and height across their ranks, from their defensive partnership of Eiran Cashin and Curtis Nelson to a midfield consisting of the likes of Ben Osborn.
Where the Rams could potentially be dangerous is on set-pieces, with them, per WhoScored, ranking 6th in the Championship in regards to teams with the most aerial battles won this season, which is a stark contrast to Sunderland sat in 19th.
Nonetheless, Le Bris’ concerns over any potential aerial disadvantage should be quashed by star centre-back Chris Mepham, who, per SofaScore, has won the most aerial duels for Sunderland this season, a total that stands 22 higher than Jobe Bellingham in second.
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Chris Mepham experience will be crucial against Derby County
On top of the Rams’ aerial ability, it is clear that Warne has recruited an experienced side that will sit back and hope to hit Le Bris’ side on the counter. As a result, Sunderland will need to keep composure, and Mepham is the perfect man at the back to guarantee that.
The Sunderland centre-back has already displayed his importance to the side on several occasions so far this season, and Le Bris will no doubt need him to show this once again in the midweek clash with Derby County.
The Rams’ slim chance of coming away with a win comes from their abilities on set-pieces and with crosses, but Mepham can be relied on to add that extra assurance needed.