Regis Le Bris could make drastic Sunderland change vs Wolves, it would benefit Arthur Masuaku
Regis Le Bris has some thinking to do before Sunderland play host to Wolves this weekend.
Sunderland have had an excellent campaign so far, though Saturday’s clash allows them to build on that even further.
Wolves are the visitors on this occasion, and a win for the Black Cats would take them to 14 points, 10 of which would have come at the Stadium of Light, which would be the most achieved after four home games in their history of being a top-flight club.
However, to achieve that, Le Bris has a series of dilemmas to contend with from a selection point of view, and one could see him make a big change.
Sunderland could adopt a back five vs Wolves
Sunderland suffered a 2-0 defeat to Man United last time out, with both goals arriving in the first half of the clash.
After the second goal, Le Bris substituted Simon Adingra for Dan Ballard and moved to a formation that saw them play with a back five.
Sunderland’s second-half stats vs Man United
- 51 per cent possession
- 0.36 xG
- One big chance
- Four shots
While the result didn’t showcase it, that change worked from a performance perspective, with the Black Cats nullifying any threat from then on, and creating plenty of their own half-chances.
With Noah Sadiki likely to be ruled out against Wolves, and Omar Alderete’s availability still unknown, he is going to have to change at least two of the starting 11 from Old Trafford.
Given the positives that emerged from their second-half display, and the lack of midfield options this weekend, it could see him move to a back five.
Ballard would likely play alongside Nordi Mukiele and Lutsharel Geertruida, with Trai Hume and Arthur Masuaku as the wing-backs.
Arthur Masuaku can’t play in a back four
Masuaku struggled massively against Man United, and he wasn’t much better when Sunderland secured a 1-0 victory away to Forest.
However, his performance, like that of many others, improved when the extra body was installed into the defence.
He’s an attacking full-back, who showcased his abilities last season for Besiktas.
- 46 appearances in all competitions
- One goal
- 10 assists
- 48 chances created
- 42 successful crosses
- 58 completed dribbles
Masuaku would thrive in that system for Sunderland, especially against a struggling Wolves side.
It remains to be seen whether Le Bris sticks with the DR Congo international or potentially plays Hume on the opposite side, though the Frenchman has options.
Enjoyed this article? Stay connected with all the latest Sunderland news, updates, and behind-the-scenes content by following us on our new Instagram account – @mackemnews247