Credit: Imago

Josh Edwards

Mon 3 March 2025 7:34, UK

Regis Le Bris has experimented with different formations at Sunderland, but he simply must stick with one for the remainder of the campaign. 

Sunderland are enjoying a fruitful season, having come a long way since the disappointment of the last one that often had supporters looking over their shoulders. 

Summer recruitment played a big part in that, with the likes of Wilson Isidor and Chris Mepham coming in and playing a huge role in the team ever since. 

However, if the Black Cats are to maintain their promotion credentials, Le Bris has one simple change that he must make and stick to for the coming weeks. 

Sunderland must utilise Eliezer Mayenda

A 2-1 win against Sheffield Wednesday kept the Black Cats in the promotion conversation, and Eliezer Mayenda was the key to that. 

The 19-year-old scored both goals for Sunderland in the game, taking his goal tally up to six for the season, and he simply has to be named in the starting 11 going forward if the Black Cats are to maintain their position. 

However, that must be alongside current top scorer Wilson Isidor, meaning a 4-4-2 needs to be the preferred formation now. 

The linkup between the duo has been exhilarating at times, and having two up top allows more space for the wide players to work their magic while having two genuine goal threats on the pitch. 

Sunderland need to gain momentum 

Whether a top-two finish is achievable or not, Sunderland simply just need to keep finding ways to win games and ensure they build as much momentum as possible heading into the playoffs if that is to be their fate. 

While they are often a lottery, having that run of form behind you can push confidence levels to a new high, which in games with as much pressure, can be the difference.

Two home encounters are up next for the Mackems, and six points will be more than achievable.