Neil returns as Le Bris makes bold call – Sunderland predicted XI v Real Betis
Sunderland will be looking to put in a spirited performance when they’re tested against La Liga side Real Betis.
Regis Le Bris‘ men will play host to the Spanish outfit on Saturday, 2 August, as their pre-season campaign reaches its business end.
After this one, they have two more games scheduled before taking on West Ham in the Premier League on 16 August.
With that in mind, Mackem News has predicted the playing eleven for the game against Betis.
Dan Neil to start in place of Noah Sadiki
Sunderland lost 2-1 to Hull City in their last friendly, and that was far from an impressive performance.
Le Bris will expect more from his players despite them gearing up against tougher opponents.
Chemsdine Talbi started that one, but this could be a good game for Patrick Roberts to be given a start and show what he can do.
Noah Sadiki could also make way in the middle of the park for Dan Neil, who has displayed glimpses of his brilliance in recent games.
Sunderland desperately need to bounce back against Betis
Sunderland face a tough challenge against Real Betis in their pre-season friendly due to Betis’ La Liga experience and attacking quality, led by players like Giovani Lo Celso and Cucho Hernandez, despite their mixed away form last season.
Their recent friendly losses highlight defensive vulnerabilities, and facing a UEFA Europa League side tests their Premier League readiness after an eight-year absence
| Date | Opponents | H/A | Result |
| 12 July | South Shields | A | 4-0 Win |
| 19 July | Sevilla | A | 1-1 Draw |
| 21 July | Sporting CP | A | 1-0 Loss |
| 26 July | Hearts | A | 3-0 Loss |
| 29 July | Hull City | A | 2-1 Loss |
To secure a positive result, Le Bris must ensure defensive solidity, leveraging Reinildo Mandava and Granit Xhaka’s debuts, potentially off the bench, to bolster the backline and midfield.
Pressing high to disrupt Betis’s double pivot of Mawuli Mensah and Pablo Fornals, while exploiting Eliezer Mayenda’s pace on counters, could earn Sunderland a draw or narrow win, boosting confidence for the season.
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