View: Alese axed as Aouchiche decision made – Sunderland predicted XI v Portsmouth
Regis Le Bris could axe Aji Alese for Sunderland when they host Portsmouth at the Stadium of Light on Sunday afternoon with a decision to be made on Adil Aouchiche.
Aouchiche has cut a frustrated figure on Wearside having barely featured under Le Bris but a recent spell in which he has impressed makes the decision to include him against Portsmouth an obvious one as the Black Cats look to maintain their unbeaten run.
Dennis Cirkin was a notable omission from Sunderland’s 2-1 win against Sheffield United but he could return in place of Alese as the Black Cats continue their push for a Premier League return against one of the league’s strugglers.
Le Bris somewhat has his hands tied with many injuries preventing the amount of rotation he can use in his squad.
Dennis Cirkin to replace Aji Alese for Sunderland
Alese more than held his own against the Blades in what was a predominantly defensive display from the Black Cats but that is likely to be different against Pompey.
Portsmouth have struggled for consistency this season and an away encounter at the Stadium of Light will undoubtedly provide them with one of the biggest tests of the season and Cirkin may be more well equipped for that type of game.
Anthony Patterson played a crucial role in the Black Cats’ win against Sheffield United, denying Kieffer Moore from the penalty spot with the defensive in front of him also holding their own.
Trai Hume will keep his place after another good display with Chris Mepham and Luke O’Nien likely to make up the remainder of the back four despite the latter not being at his best against the Blades.
Jobe Bellingham and Dan Neil thrived in the win on New Year’s Day and more down to a lack of available replacements, they will keep their place in the side.
Aouchcihe has been in fine form since emerging from the shadows of Wearside and his recent performances have surely earned him enough credit to go on and start another encounter.
Eliezer Mayenda and Wilson Isidor combined well and played a crucial role in the recent victory and providing they’re fit, both will start yet again with Patrick Roberts making up the front three.
In other Sunderland news, the Black Cats need to cut their losses on this player after what has happened.
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