Mayenda leads the line, seven debuts: Sunderland predicted XI vs West Ham
Sunderland return to the Premier League after an eight-year absence with a home clash against West Ham United.
A summer full of intrigue has all built up to this weekend when Sunderland host West Ham at the Stadium of Light on the opening weekend of top-flight action.
The Wearsiders will be looking to pick up as many points as possible in their early fixtures, while the Irons will be looking to write their wrongs from the previous campaign.
In order to achieve that, Regis Le Bris will have to overcome a series of dilemmas when it comes to picking his team, with seven debuts expected.
Sunderland still lacking defensively
Robin Roefs has already impressed since his move to Sunderland, and will almost certainly start in goal against West Ham.
Trai Hume, off the back of his new contract, will feature at right-back, while summer arrival Reinildo could feature on the opposite side.
It would leave a defensive partnership of Dan Ballard and Jensen Seelt, with Omar Alderete not likely to be up to speed quite yet.
Granit Xhaka looks set to captain Sunderland in a midfield three alongside Habib Diarra and Noah Sadiki.
The latter of the three displaces Enzo Le Fee from the starting 11, as he may have to settle for a spot on the bench.
Eliezer Mayenda needs to impress vs West Ham
Simon Adingra is all but nailed on to start on the left, with Chemsdine Talbi likely to start on the opposite flank, despite having shown little for Sunderland in pre-season.
It has been a tough summer for Eliezer Mayenda, but he could get the nod against the Hammers, and if so, it is crucial that he gets off to a good start in the Premier League.
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