Chris Rigg axed in three changes – Sunderland predicted XI v Luton
Regis Le Bris could make three changes to his Sunderland starting XI for their home clash with Luton Town on Wednesday.
Sunderland dropped two points at home to Watford last time out, with Dennis Cirkin securing a last-gasp point at the Stadium of Light.
The 2-2 draw leaves Sunderland five points outside of the top two, making the clash with Luton a must-win fixture heading into their promotion six-pointer with Leeds United.
Given what was a lacklustre performance against the Hornets, Le Bris could make several changes to his side with Rigg likely to drop out after a poor showing at the weekend.
Sunderland to make three changes v Luton
Anthony Patterson will retain his place in goal for the Black Cats having done little wrong in the encounter with Watford. He had no chance with either goal with a big save made in the build-up to the opening strike.
Trai Hume and Cirkin were both below par on Saturday, with the latter sparing his blushes with the equalising goal after conceding the penalty that saw Watford take the lead.
Both players hold a significant amount of importance in this team, with very few options to rotate even if the desire was there.
The first change for Sunderland could come at centre-back. Luke O’Nien has been Mr. Consistent throughout this season, but with the direct approach of Luton, Dan Ballard may be better equipped to deal with the physicality.
Chris Mepham has been a standout performer all season and will start alongside him.
Jobe Bellingham was absent from the recent encounter, although he is likely to return to the starting 11 midweek in place of Abdul Samed with Dan Neil alongside him to form the double pivot that has brought plenty of success this season.
Enzo Le Fee to star for Sunderland again
Enzo Le Fee has been a revelation since joining on loan, and when fit, he is almost guaranteed to be named in the starting 11 and will likely occupy the left flank once again.
Patrick Roberts struggled to impact the game against Watford but will be hoping to retain his place in the side with the final change made ahead of him.
Rigg showed signs of fatigue at the weekend and will likely be dropped as a result. That should pave the way for Eliezer Mayenda to return to the starting 11, to partner Wilson Isidor up top.