Eliezer Mayenda axed, no room for £21.6m star – Early Sunderland predicted XI vs Crystal Palace
Sunderland will be striving to maintain a run of positive results when they face Crystal Palace in the Premier League.
Sunderland secured a last-gasp win over Brentford at the Stadium of Light to make it two wins from three.
However, the international break has stopped momentum, with a host of players representing their countries.
Unless the Black Cats suffer any injuries over the coming week, Regis Le Bris is expected to make minimal changes to his side.
Wilson Isidor earns first Premier League start for Sunderland
Robin Roefs enjoyed a positive pre-season for Sunderland and has carried that into the Premier League.
The Dutchman has been away with the Netherlands and will surely retain his place in between the sticks.
Trai Hume has captained Northern Ireland during the international break and should start despite the arrival of Lutsharel Geertruida.
With Dan Ballard sidelined, Nordi Mukiele and Omar Alderete will likely partner each other in the hub of Le Bris’ backline, with Reinildo on the left.
Sunderland captain Granit Xhaka is a shoo-in to start in midfield, with Habib Diarra and Noah Sadiki ahead of him.
Enzo Le Fee must be undroppable after his heroics against Brentford and is set to play on the left, with Chemsdine Talbi on the right.
It is up front where the big change could come, with Isidor earning a place after his two Premier League goals.
Read more: Regis Le Bris to have mixed feelings after what Bertrand Traore did away from Sunderland
Why Wilson Isidor deserves chance against Crystal Palace
Mayenda has done an impressive job of leading the Sunderland line, but his latest performances have been indifferent.
Given that he played out wide for the Spain under-21s, there is every chance that Le Bris could move him to the right-wing.
With that in mind, Isidor has surely shown enough in the opening games to be worthy of an opportunity.
Yes, the Frenchman was in worrying form at the end of the last campaign, but it appears he has rediscovered his mojo.
- Isidor has two goals despite an xG of 0.28
- He’s averaged a goal every 33 minutes in the Premier League
- The forward has a goal conversion rate of 50 per cent
When at his best, the 25-year-old has shown he is a class finisher, and that will be needed against a strong Palace team.
The Wearsiders will likely sit back and play on the break, and that is where Isidor can be at his lethal best.
Of course, £21.6million signing Brian Brobbey presents another solid option, but he must be eased in at the Stadium of Light.
While it has been an exceptional start, the Eagles present the toughest challenge yet.
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