Roberts axed as Le Bris makes big call – Sunderland predicted XI v Sheffield United
Regis Le Bris has options for his Sunderland 11 when they face Sheffield United in the play-off final at Wembley.
The days are counting down until Sunderland make the trip to Wembley to face the Blades in the Championship play-off final.
The Black Cats have already sold out their allocation ahead of what promises to be a momentous weekend for all involved, and hopefully one that ends in promotion for Sunderland.
In order to give themselves the best chance of achieving that, Le Bris could make a few tactical tweaks.
Sunderland are 90 minutes away from Premier League football
Sunderland will not want to see all of their hard work amount to nothing come the end of the season, but they will need to be at their best at Wembley when facing a side who finished 14 points above them.
Anthony Patterson will start in goal, with the defence likely to stay the same from their semi-final triumph against Frank Lampard’s Coventry.
Trai Hume had one of his quieter games against the Sky Blues, but he and Dennis Cirkin are expected to start at full-back.
| Team | Position | Goal Difference | Points |
| Sheffield United | 3 | 27 | 90 |
| Sunderland | 4 | 14 | 76 |
Dan Ballard has been the Wearside hero over the last week, and his place in the 11 is surely cemented, with Luke O’Nien expected to partner him.
Dan Neil could become the first captain born in the North-East to win with Sunderland at Wembley since 1937, with a midfield pairing of Jobe Bellingham and Enzo Le Fee alongside him.
Romaine Mundle to replace Patrick Roberts
Patrick Roberts struggled to offer anything in possession against Coventry, and Sunderland cannot afford to have their attacking threat limited to one side of the pitch at Wembley.
His defensive work was excellent, but his directness may be better suited late in the game.
Eliezer Mayenda could replace him on the right flank in a big call by Le Bris, with Romaine Mundle returning to the lineup in the absence of Roberts.
Mundle changed the game after his introduction against Lampard’s side, and Le Bris simply has to get him in the starting 11 on Saturday.
Up top, Wilson Isidor could lead the line, with hopes of building on his goal from the first leg against Coventry.