Leo Hjelde axed, three changes – Sunderland predicted XI v Preston
Sunderland will be looking for their third consecutive Championship victory when they host Preston North End on Tuesday.
The Black Cats made it back to back wins with a 2-1 victory over Cardiff City at the Stadium of Light on Saturday (8 March).
As a result, Régis Le Bris’ side still have an outside chance of finishing in the automatic promotion places with just eight points between them and the Championship’s top two.
Therefore, victory against Preston at the Stadium of Light on 11 March would keep those hopes alive, while it would also effectively guarantee their finish in a promotion play-off place.
With that in mind, Le Bris will want to name a strong team, but could look to make some changes considering the quick turnaround from the win against Cardiff on the weekend.
Le Bris to make three changes v Preston
Sunderland were unchanged against Cardiff City, which supporters were not best pleased about.
Therefore, Le Bris could look to make changes this time around, starting in defence with Dennis Cirkin coming in for Leo Hjelde at left-back, while Anthony Patterson, Denver Hume, Chris Mepham and Luke O’Nien keep their places.
Preston are 25 points behind Sunderland, who will be heavy favourites heading into the clash, which could provide Le Bris with the opportunity to experiment ever so slightly by playing a more positive lineup.
| Championship 2024/25 | Position | Points |
| Sunderland | 4th | 68 |
| Preston North End | 16th | 43 |
With that in mind, Chris Rigg could come in for Patrick Roberts, which would allow the 28-year-old a rest after he suffered a knock against Cardiff. Meanwhile, Dan Neil and Jobe Bellingham are unlikely to be dropped, while Romaine Mundle will also expect to keep his place.
However, Le Bris could make a formation change by deploying a 4-4-2, which would see Alan Browne make way after his disappointing display for Sunderland against Cardiff.
Wilson Isidor to replace Browne for Sunderland
Browne had very little influence for Sunderland in their win on the weekend, and by replacing the midfielder with Wilson Isidor, Le Bris could look to play two upfront against Preston.
Isidor would start alongside Eliezer Mayenda, who has been in fine form as of late.