Neil handed second chance, new signing dropped – Sunderland predicted XI v Hearts
Sunderland are set to face Hearts in their fourth pre-season friendly.
Following a short trip to Portugal, Sunderland return to the UK to face Hearts in a testimonial game for former Black Cats keeper Craig Gordon.
Regis Le Bris is yet to see a new arrival since the defeat to Sporting, meaning it will largely be the same squad that features.
However, the Frenchman may look to bring a few other players into the first team fold and give them a chance to flourish.
Sunderland yet to bolster their defence
Simon Moore could be handed a start once again, having featured from the off against Sevilla, with Anthony Patterson’s availability still unknown, having suffered a minor knock.
Trai Hume should start on the right side of defence, with youngster Jenson Jones on the opposite side after a promising display last time out.
Dan Ballard is the first-choice centre back at the moment, and he could again be partnered by Jenson Seelt, who has given himself a strong chance of featuring under Le Bris next season.
Dan Neil has been forced to play in what many would classify as the second-string side so far this pre-season, and he could be handed a chance to showcase his value with a start in the first half.
Habib Diarra and Enzo Le Fee are almost nailed on to start ahead of Neil, having both impressed so far in their outings in pre-season
Patrick Roberts could replace Chemsdine Talbi, who struggled to get into the game against Sporting, while Simon Adingra should be afforded another chance to get used to his new surroundings on the opposite flank.
Wilson Isidor scored against South Shields at the start of the month and could be handed a start on Saturday, with Eliezer Mayenda potentially set to play a part in the second half of the encounter.
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