Regis Le Bris to drop highlighted weakness in three changes – Sunderland predicted XI to face Bournemouth
Regis Le Bris has a huge tactical decision to make for Sunderland this weekend.
Fulham’s 1-0 win over Sunderland ended the Black Cats’ four-game unbeaten run, with Raul Jimenez’s late strike enough to seal all three points for the hosts.
However, Sunderland’s home record remains intact, and they will be hoping it stays that way after the Cherries travel to the Stadium of Light.
However, in order to ensure that is the case, Le Bris could make three changes to his starting 11.
Sunderland need to move away from a back five
Against teams like Arsenal, playing five at the back works, but anywhere else, it seems totally unnecessary, and that is one of the changes predicted for this weekend’s clash.
Trai Hume is emerging as Sunderland’s weak spot, and he could drop out of the team to make way for Omar Alderete.
More often than not, teams are targeting Hume’s flank, with the Black Cats having dropped points in six of the eight games where that has been the case.
Nordi Mukiele would shift over to right back, with Alderete partnering Dan Ballard in the heart of defence.
It would also see the Black Cats return to a midfield trio, with Noah Sadiki, Granit Xhaka and Enzo Le Fee occupying them three roles.
Le Fee has been playing as the left-winger recently, but could drop back into midfield to make way for the second of three changes.
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Chemsdine Talbi and Brian Brobbey to start vs Bournemouth
Chemsdine Talbi scored the winner against Chelsea a few weeks ago and has hardly been seen since.
He could return to the starting 11 this weekend, with Bertrand Traore occupying the other wing.
Simon Adingra has rarely been used by Le Bris this season, and that is unlikely to change against Bournemouth.
Wilson Isidor started the season in red-hot form for the Black Cats, but he has failed to find the net in any of their last three encounters.
Brian Brobbey, having scored in the last home game against Arsenal, could be handed his first start for Sunderland, in what would be the third change from the defeat to Fulham.
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