Regis Le Bris axes Le Fee in three changes – Sunderland predicted XI v Blackburn
Regis Le Bris could make three changes to his Sunderland side to face Watford on Monday, with Enzo Le Fee potentially set to drop to the bench.
The Black Cats are set to welcome Valerien Ismael’s side to the North East just three days after their 2-1 defeat against Bristol City in the Championship.
A controversial Trai Hume red card sent the away side on their way to defeat at Ashton Gate despite Eliezer Mayenda’s superb solo effort.
This strike was cancelled out by two second half goals from Rob Dickie and Ross McCrorie to help earn the Robins their fourth win in their last five games.
With a clash coming up against Rovers, there is every chance that Le Bris will utilise multiple changes to his side to kick-start a positive run of form ahead of the playoffs.
Le Fee axed for Sunderland v Blackburn Rovers
It was disappointing for the Mackems to fall to defeat last time out against Liam Manning’s side, but they will be keen to bounce back immediately.
If the north east club are to do so, they will once again be relying on the output of Anthony Patterson, who still put in a positive performance against the Robins.
Ahead of the 24-year-old, the back four looks set to feature one change after Hume was sent off, with Alan Browne potentially set to replace him at full-back. This could see the Irishman come in to join Chris Mepham, Luke O’Nien and Leo Hjelde at the back.
Ahead of this bank of four, Jobe Bellingham could return to the side in place of Le Fee to join Dan Neil and Chris Rigg in a progressive midfield trio.
This could then see a change in the front line as Tom Watson could drop out to be replaced by Wilson Isidor as Patrick Roberts and Mayenda look set to keep their places in the side.
Sunderland should secure win v Blackburn
The former Premier League champions have had a difficult few months since the departure of John Eustace to Derby County mid-season.
This should make them a winnable clash for the Black Cats, who will be keen to secure a first win in three after back-to-back defeats in the second tier.
| Date | Opponent | Result |
| 03/04/25 | Norwich City | 0-0 (D) |
| 12/04/25 | Swansea City | 0-1 (L) |
| 18/04/25 | Bristol City | 2-1 (L) |
Le Bris will be relying on the likes of Mayenda and Isidor to perform and help his side hit a positive run of form before the playoffs kick off in three games’ time.