Diarra returns, Le Bris drops new signing – Sunderland predicted XI v Hull
Sunderland have had to endure a mixed summer so far ahead of their return to the Premier League.
The Mackems have done plenty of impressive business in the transfer market, but they have struggled to settle as a team, having faced a difficult pre-season until now.
Regis Le Bris’ side were beaten 3-0 by Hearts in their latest assignment, which acted as a testimonial for Hearts goalkeeper and former Black Cats star Craig Gordon.
The Wearsiders have an immediate opportunity to put that defeat right on Tuesday night (29 July), when they travel to East Yorkshire to take on Hull City.
With that in mind, Mackem News predicts the Sunderland XI that will start against the Tigers.
Diarra returns as Talbi dropped v Hull
Habib Diarra looks set to be a significant signing for Sunderland, and he has shone on numerous occasions already in pre-season.
The midfielder is a big-money arrival but he is already showing glimpses of quality that suggest he will be a very solid investment for the Wearsiders.
Diarra dropped out of the midfield to make way for fellow new arrival Noah Sadiki against Hearts, but he could be in line to return to the fold for the Hull clash as Le Bris goes in search of a positive result.
Chemsdine Talbi struggled in the Hearts loss, and the boss may well be tempted to take his new arrival out of the firing line briefly against the Tigers.
The winger will need time to adapt to English football, and it may be sensible to take him out of the starting XI for the moment.
Anthony Patterson and Chris Rigg both remain some way from a return to action, which will likely mean Simon Moore dons the gloves once again.
Elsewhere in the side, injuries are limiting Le Bris’ options, and the Frenchman will likely stick with the figures that have served him well so far in pre-season.
Sunderland need a positive result v Hull
Sunderland have undergone plenty of change this summer following their promotion last term, and the new faces will undoubtedly need time to settle into their surroundings.
However, the Mackems are arguably in need of a positive result in their clash with Hull.
| Date | Opponents | H/A | Result |
| 12 July | South Shields | A | 4-0 Win |
| 19 July | Sevilla | A | 1-1 Draw |
| 21 July | Sporting CP | A | 1-0 Loss |
| 26 July | Hearts | A | 3-0 Loss |
They haven’t tasted victory since a 4-0 win over South Shields in their opening friendly of the summer, and with just two matches remaining before the competitive action returns, a win would be a huge boost to morale.
Ultimately, pre-season is more about players building up their fitness and the manager assessing his options, but a victory on Tuesday (29 July) could go a long way to settling some of the nerves at the Stadium of Light.
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