Regis Le Bris to solve AFCON dilemma with five changes – Sunderland predicted XI vs Brighton
Sunderland will be without several key players for this weekend’s trip to face Brighton.
Off the back of Sunderland’s Wear-Tyne derby victory over Newcastle, the Black Cats are back on the road on Saturday to take on Brighton.
The Mackems are one of only five English sides yet to lose a game at home this season, but their away form has been ropey at best since returning to the Premier League.
Added to that, several stars have already jetted off for AFCON, leaving Regis Le Bris no choice but to ring the changes ahead of this weekend’s clash.
Sunderland to revert to a back five vs Brighton
Sunderland have very few options in midfield, meaning Le Bris is quite likely to go with an extra defender to solidify the spine of his side.
Lutsharel Geertruida could come back into the starting 11 to feature alongside Dan Ballard and Omar Alderete in the heart of defence, with Nordi Mukiele and Trai Hume playing as the wing-backs.
Ballard has been immense for Sunderland this season, and his partnership with Alderete is going to be key to victory.
Given Noah Sadiki’s absence due to international duty, Le Bris is somewhat hamstrung when it comes to his midfield options.
Granit Xhaka will start, and Enzo Le Fee could drop deeper alongside him, leaving Dan Neil in the cold once again.
Up front is where Sunderland are likely to make the most changes, with two new bodies in the front three from their win over Newcastle.
- Read more: Stats show why Sunderland are a Premier League anomaly and how Regis Le Bris is working wonders
Romaine Mundle to make Premier League debut
Romaine Mundle was excellent in the Championship, and had it not been for an injury sustained in pre-season, he could have easily been the starting winger this campaign.
However, with Chemsdine Talbi and Bertrand Traore at AFCON, the Englishman is likely to get his chance to start, and he could do so on the left of a front three.
Simon Adingra missed out on a spot in the Ivory Coast squad, and he will have a point to prove against his former club.
Leading the line is Brian Brobbey, who fared well against the Magpies, and he will be needed once again to alleviate the pressure on the defence away to Brighton.
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