Ballard call made, 1st app of season handed out – Sunderland confirmed XI v Middlesbrough
Sunderland manager Regis Le Bris has named his starting line-up for the Championship clash with Middlesbrough.
The Black Cats host their near neighbours at the Stadium of Light in Saturday’s (21 September) early Championship kick-off.
Regis Le Bris has made one change to his side, as confirmed by the club’s official X account [21 September], with Chris Mepham coming in for his first start for the club.
Dan Ballard drops to the substitutes’ bench after sustaining an injury that saw his ability to train this week restricted.
Chris Mepham has chance to impress in Sunderland v Middlesbrough
Mepham has had to wait for his chance since making the switch to the Stadium of Light from Bournemouth in the summer transfer window.
The Wales international has plenty of experience and there is no reason why he cannot seamlessly slot in alongside Luke O’Nien in the heart of defence.
Trai Hume and Dennis Cirkin continue to operate at full-back, while Eliezer Mayenda is once again given the nod up top.
Le Bris is having to cope with plenty of injury issues as Rav van den Berg and Jonny Howson are once again no part of the matchday squad.
Despite that, the Black Cats are flying high in the division and will look to make it five wins out of six against one of their biggest rivals today.
If they are to manage that, Mepham – and indeed all those around him – will need to be on top of him game.
In other Sunderland news, Don Goodman understands the pessimism surrounding the club before a ball was kicked.
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