After a long 2023/24 season, Sunderland are back in action this weekend.
Sunderland fans were desperate for the campaign to come to an end as they won only two of their last 15 matches in the Championship.
Things are looking up now though, with Regis Le Bris coming in as their new permanent head coach, whilst they have added some experience to the squad in Alan Browne, Ian Poveda and Simon Moore.
A squad refresh has given Le Bris a few options to take this weekend as they face Cardiff City in their opener.
However, there are definitely a number of players who will have already nailed down their position in the starting line-up, such as Anthony Patterson, Luke O’Nien and Jack Clarke.
With no more friendlies left to prove themselves, it is now up to the head coach to make his picks over the next few days.
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Three positions still up for grabs in Cardiff clash
Central midfield
Dan Neil was comfortably one of Sunderland’s best players last season and there is no doubt that he will be one of the first names on the team-sheet this time round too.
Jobe has reportedly decided to stay at the club this season, and with his regular presence in the team last term, it’s fair to expect it to be the same under Le Bris.
That leaves one final midfield position, with Chris Rigg and Browne both the most likely candidates.
The former has a huge future at the Stadium of Light and won’t have put pen to paper on a new contract if he hadn’t been promised regular game-time, however Sunderland will still be aware that he is only 17 years old and might not play every game.
He may take the edge this weekend though, with doubts over Browne’s fitness.
The midfielder has really impressed since joining from Preston North End, but he hasn’t had as much preseason action as his teammates.
Rigg looks likely to start in Wales, but we could expect to see these two rotate over the coming months.
Right winger
Assuming Clarke will still be here at the weekend, he won’t have any concern about keeping his place on the left.
Patrick Roberts looked to have faced competition for his position though, having failed to score last term.
The 27-year-old will face less competition this week though, with Poveda unlikely to be available as he hasn’t picked up a single minute in preseason.
However, Romaine Mundle also really impressed in recent weeks and could battle it out with Roberts on the right.
The latter’s display against Marseille is likely to have saved him though, having put on a standout performance against the French giants.
Striker
Sunderland are yet to sign a new striker, which could give Le Bris two options against the Bluebirds.
Jobe could return to the No.9 position after spending most of last season there, or he could have faith in one of the youngsters.
Luis Hemir was given a starting role in their opening fixture last season and that ended disastrously, but it could be Mayenda who is trusted this time after an eye-catching preseason.
Whoever does start is unlikely to keep their place for much longer, with the Black Cats desperate to bring in a proven goalscorer.