Le Bris to make controversial call, three changes – Sunderland predicted XI v QPR
Regis Le Bris could make several changes to the Sunderland starting lineup on Saturday as they prepare to compete against QPR.
This weekend marks the end of the regular season for the entire division, and the Mackems will be wanting to wrap that up in style at the Stadium of Light.
It has been a difficult period for Sunderland as of late, having failed to win once in their previous five outings, which is the worst type of form to be taking into the playoffs.
The heavy rotation that Le Bris has been choosing throughout that period hasn’t helped matters, as he has attempted to keep players fit and fresh heading into the playoff semi-finals.
However, the constant changes appears to have provided a lack of consistency that has been damaging the squad, which is why fewer changes are now expected this weekend.
Sunderland must give fans something to believe in
Leo Hjelde was pulled off during Sunderland’s recent 2-0 loss against Oxford United, and that’s a decision that Le Bris might stick with from the first minute this time by starting Dennis Cirkin.
Enzo Le Fee struggled to have the desired impact against Oxford, which was a surprise after getting to start out wide, but he could also miss out this weekend.
Alan Browne is someone who may come into the starting XI this time around, while Le Bris is also likely to make a controversial call.
| League Table | Games Played | Won | Lost | Points |
| 4. Sunderland | 45 | 21 | 11 | 76 |
That would be to start Tom Watson and bench Patrick Roberts, which is an idea that may frustrate some fans.
Watson is an unpopular figure at the Stadium of Light due to the fact that he is leaving the club at the end of this season, but his quality is undeniable.
Le Bris will want to do whatever it takes to gain promotion, and if using Watson is part of that, then it’s likely that he will get the nod.
Sunderland will want momentum
The key for Sunderland’s game this weekend is simply to win it, as anything less than that will put them in a worryingly weak state for the playoffs.
The fans need to have their belief reinstated after such a poor run of form, and the only way that can happen is by taking all three points.