Credit: Imago

Sunderland fans ‘in dreamland’ after confirmed XI v Bristol City – ‘Masterclass’

Fri 18 April 2025 14:08, UK

Regis Le Bris has named his starting 11 for Sunderland’s clash with Bristol City.

Sunderland are in a rather precarious position ahead of the final four games, because they quite literally have nothing to play for.

Playoffs have already been sealed, and the top two are out of sight, leaving a strange atmosphere among the red and white faithful.

With that in mind, Le Bris has showcased his willingness to rest his players in a bid to have them at full capacity for the playoffs, while risking the lack of momentum, and it seems like fans are loving the decision made for their Good Friday clash with Bristol City.

Regis Le Bris looking forward at Sunderland — Credit: Imago

Le Bris makes three changes for Sunderland v Bristol City

Jobe Bellingham returns to the squad at Ashton Gate, having missed the last few Sunderland encounters with a minor knock, while the Black Cats continue to nurture a rather long injury list.

Dennis Cirkin, Romaine Mundle, Aji Alese as well as several others remain sidelined, leaving Le Bris with a lack options in his attempts to rotate his starting 11.

Sunderland need to get back to winning ways

After the last two dismal performances, there have been concerns in regard to the lack of form and momentum heading into the playoffs.

As proven by Southampton last season, when they won just one of their last four before beating Leeds in the final, form isn’t necessarily the be all and end all, but it certainly can be valuable.

Fans have seen this side come close to promotion before, and the lack of form will have them anxious ahead of the playoffs, which will see frustrations grow if they don’t get off to a good start.

Player fitness is the most important factor at this stage, but Le Bris needs to find a balance between maintaining that fitness and finding form if the Black Cats are to be successful in their pursuit of a Premier League return.