Le Bris to enter playoff mode, five changes – Sunderland predicted XI v Oxford
Regis Le Bris could look to return to a strong starting 11 for Sunderland as they prepare to face relegation-threatened Oxford United on Saturday.
Form has been hard to come by as of late for Sunderland, with much of that down to the heavy rotation under Le Bris in a bid to find fitness for the playoffs.
The Black Cats are winless in their last four and have suffered defeat in their last three, and while form isn’t necessarily the be-all and end-all for playoff success, it can help.
With that in mind, the Frenchman could make five changes to his Sunderland side at the Kassam Stadium, with one likely to be enforced.
Sunderland to target momentum ahead of final two league games
Anthony Patterson has started to return to form after a slight dip earlier in the season, and there is no doubt that he will remain the starting keeper for the remainder of the campaign.
Trai Hume’s controversial sending off against Bristol City saw him suspended for the defeat to Blackburn, but he could return to the starting XI for their clash with Oxford.
| Sunderland v Blackburn | Goals | Shots | xG | Possession |
| Sunderland | 0 | 16 | 0.81 | 58% |
| Blackburn | 1 | 2 | 0.29 | 42% |
Leo Hjelde could return to the opposite side of defence for the Black Cats as they await Dennis Cirkin’s return to fitness, with Chris Mepham and Luke O’Nien remaining at the heart.
Dan Neil was rested against Valerien Ismael’s side, but he could be named in the starting 11 in place of Abdul Samed, with Chris Rigg also returning to the lineup.
That change would see Harrison Jones drop to the bench despite an impressive showing against Blackburn last time out, with Jobe Bellingham making up the midfield trio.
Tommy Watson starts again for the Black Cats
Tommy Watson’s inclusion has angered supporters in recent weeks, but his recent display at the Stadium of Light was far more promising, and with Romaine Mundle still sidelined, it’s possible that he remains in the side.
Patrick Roberts has been a mainstay for Sunderland this season, and he could come back into the side with Wilson Isidor leading the line.
Eliezer Mayenda is rumoured to be a doubt for the final two league games, providing the Frenchman with a chance to rediscover his scoring form.