Regis Le Bris faces new striker dilemma at Sunderland ahead of Aston Villa clash
Sunderland’s strikers have scored goals this season, but have lacked the service to maintain that.
Given the fact that Sunderland have picked up seven points from the opening four games, the overhwleming emotion on Wearside is certainly one of optimism.
However, there are still concerns, with Sunderland’s inability to create regular chances high up on the list of things that need to be addressed.
Regis Le Bris has handed starts to both Eliezer Mayenda and Wilson Isidor so far this season, with Brian Brobbey waiting in the wings, with a decision to be made ahead of Sunday’s encounter against Aston Villa.
Mackem News presents the exclusive opinion of iconic football commentator Ian Darke.
Sunderland can rotate strikers depending on the occasion
To succeed as a striker in the Premier League, you need more than just technical ability.
Confidence also plays a huge role in how well a striker can perform, as showcased by Mayenda’s impressive campaign in the Championship with Sunderland.
However, after four games, Le Bris has already showcased his willingness to rotate, and Ian Darke thinks that is the right thing to do.
Speaking exclusively to Mackem News, he said: “I think he’s looking at what he thinks might work for any given assignment, which I think is what a good manager does.
“He’s got the options. He’s got the Brobbey option. He’s got the Isidor option. He’s got the Mayenda option, and they work out a game plan for every game.
“It just depends on the individual, so there might be a bit of that in it as well.”
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Who should lead the line for Sunderland vs Aston Villa?
There are various ways Le Bris could attack Sunday’s game against Aston Villa, but the most obvious one would be to start Isidor, who is their top scorer.
With that said, both of his goals have come off the bench, showcasing the fact that he may be better suited as an impact forward late in the game.
- Mayenda – 3 starts, 1 goal, 204 minutes
- Isidor – 1 start, 3 sub appearances, 2 goals, 155 minutes
- Brobbey – 1 sub appearance, 21 minutes played
Brobbey sparked some minor concerns against Crystal Palace, but Le Bris could look to get his new striker up and running with his first start.
Given the money they paid to bring Brobbey to the Stadium of Light, the latter is certainly starting to look like the go-to option, but whether this weekend’s clash comes too soon remains to be seen.
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