Sunderland head to Plymouth Argyle in the Championship this weekend.
Regis Le Bris arguably faces his toughest task as Sunderland manager this weekend, taking his side down to the south coast to face Plymouth Argyle.
Now four games into the 2024/25 season, and with four wins on the board for the Black Cats, the bar has been set for Sunderland, and the pressure is now on them to go out and win games.
Wayne Rooney’s Plymouth have started poorly and sit in 22nd place of the Championship table with two points to their name.
That’s compared to Sunderland in 1st with 12 points from a possible 12.
Sunderland have had several players on international duty this month, including the likes of Northern Ireland duo Dan Ballard and Trai Hume among others.
Last season, Sunderland beat Plymouth 3-1 at the Stadium of Light but lost 2-0 away at Home Park.
Sunderland team and injury news vs Plymouth Argyle
Speaking to the press on Thursday, Le Bris confirmed that all of his players who went away during the International break have returned without injury.
It’s also been reported that deadline day signings Chris Mepham and Milan Aleksic could be in contention to feature vs Plymouth this weekend.
Dan Neil is available after serving a one-game suspension.
Aji Alese has a longer-term injury and he remains sidelined, along with fellow defenders Jenson Seelt and Niall Huggins.
- READ MORE: Regis Le Bris reveals the one thing that’s ‘pleasantly surprised’ him about Sunderland this season
Sunderland predicted XI vs Plymouth Argyle
It may be foolish of Le Bris to change up a winning formula following this perfect start to the season, though Neil’s availability may enforce at least one change.
Sunderland fans may be keen to see youngster Tom Watson start on the bench and come on in the second half, with Watson having impressed for the U21s during the break.
Elsewhere, Le Bris now has Wilson Isidor to bring into the first-team fold, though where he plays remains a subject of debate among fans.
The striker position seems to be the most tricky for Le Bris, though Eliezer Mayenda hasn’t done anything to warrant losing his starting spot as of yet.
There’s certainly a few nice selection headaches for Le Bris right now, and here’s how we think he’ll line up vs Plymouth Argyle this weekend…
Patterson (GK)
Cirkin
Ballard
O’Nien
Hume
Rigg
Neil
Mundle
Bellingham
Roberts
Mayenda