Regis Le Bris to make controversial Granit Xhaka decision in Sunderland predicted XI vs Man City
Granit Xhaka is walking a tightrope at Sunderland, with the Tyne-Wear Derby just over a week away.
Sunderland secured a point against Liverpool last time out, but were arguably frustrated not to have come away from Anfield with all three.
With that said, it was another excellent display from the Black Cats, who will be looking to replicate that performance when they travel to face Man City.
With it being the third game in seven days, Regis Le Bris could make changes, but one in particular could cause mixed reactions.
Sunderland’s defensive shape has no reason to be changed
The Black Cats utilised a back five away to Liverpool out of possession, and aside from the goal, which went down as a Nordi Mukiele own-goal, the Reds created very few clear-cut chances.
With that in mind, it’s likely that Le Bris will stick with the same personnel for their trip to the Etihad on Saturday.
Trai Hume and Reinildo will play as the wide defenders, with Dan Ballard, Mukiele and Omar Alderete featuring centrally.
In the midfield is where Le Bris faces a series of dilemmas, with the Tyne-Wear Derby the next encounter.
Both Noah Sadiki and Xhaka are on four yellow cards, meaning a booking against City would see them suspended for the clash with Newcastle.
Given they have played every game so far this season that they have been available for, Le Bris will want them to be fit and available for the derby, meaning he could rest one of them.
If that were to be the case, resting Xhaka makes the most sense, given that his leadership and experience in the big games will be needed against the Magpies, but there is every chance that he is risked this weekend.
Enzo Le Fee could then drop into a central role alongside Sadiki, meaning a change in the attacking shape.
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Chemsdine Talbi starts despite Liverpool frustrations
Chemsdine Talbi scored for Sunderland at Anfield, but he also lost the ball right before Liverpool got their equaliser.
The Morocco international did similarly against Bournemouth, which led to Tyler Adams’ long-range strike that lobbed Robin Roefs.
However, he is still likely to get the nod, this time on the left, with Bertrand Traore coming in as the right-winger.
Brian Brobbey failed to score on his first Sunderland start, but his physical presence was certainly felt.
That will be needed against Man City once again this weekend, and the Dutchman should be afforded another shot at leading the line.
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