Sunderland fans perplexed after confirmed XI v Norwich City – ‘April fools’
Regis Le Bris has named his starting 11 for Sunderland’s clash with Norwich City, and fans have been left extremely concerned.
Sunderland are starting to hit form at the crucial period of the season, with their latest 1-0 win over West Brom serving as their second win in a row and their third in five games.
Automatic promotion seems unlikely for Sunderland, but a fourth-place finish is near enough cemented given their 15-point advantage over Middlesbrough in fifth.
However, results and performances remain as important as ever as they look to build momentum to take into the playoffs, though the confirmed lineup has left supporters both baffled and rather concerned.
Jobe absent from Sunderland v Norwich City
Le Bris still has a number of injury-related troubles for his squad, with Romaine Mundle the latest to pick up an injury in their win against West Brom.
His absence, alongside that of Dennis Cirkin, can certainly be explained, though the same cannot be said for the omission of Jobe, who, despite appearing to have picked up a knock against the Baggies, continued at The Hawthorns but is nowhere to be seen tonight.
His absence sees four changes made, with Tommy Watson, Leo Hjelde, Milan Aleksic and Eliezer Mayenda all coming into the 11, though fans are concerned.
I hope it’s just a rest for Jobe
— Ben Clark (@benclarksafc99) April 8, 2025
Where’s Jobe? 😭
— SAFC Freddie (@SAFC_Freddie) April 8, 2025
Jobe injured or just rested ? May have took a knock last game.
— Charlie Howe (@Char1ie_Howe) April 8, 2025
April fools last week mate, show the real team… PLEASE.
— marcdavison (@marcdavison_) April 8, 2025
i’ve travelled five hours for this by the way
— joe // (@Marshy_SAFC) April 8, 2025
Where’s Jobe?
— NT (@88NTaylor) April 8, 2025
Well that team is horrendous pity anyone who has travelled down there tonight https://t.co/hq6TEZDLM1
— Paul Bywater (@bywater_paul) April 8, 2025
Not a fan of this https://t.co/wmZTnKxn7n
— preston 🔴⚪ (@prestonsafc545) April 8, 2025
Oh dear https://t.co/ptVSDzwQmj
— JT (@Jack_Tomlinson2) April 8, 2025
Surely Jobe can’t be injured as well man https://t.co/Xf1veeV29T
— Jack (@Jacksafc__) April 8, 2025
Sunderland need to win against Norwich
Now, it’s remarkably unlikely, but a win could see Sunderland move within five points of the automatic promotion places, depending on results elsewhere, but even if that is not to be the case, they still need to win.
Form can often be the deciding factor heading into the playoffs, and if a team is lacking it, it can set up two very nervy affairs, which can cost you promotion.
| Championship | W | D | L | P |
| Sunderland | 21 | 12 | 7 | 75 |
After what was such a bright start to the season, it would be hugely disappointing to see the Black Cats miss out on promotion, and it could also have a fairly drastic effect heading into the summer.
Full focus will be on the pitch for now, and Le Bris will be confident that the side he has picked can come home with all three points against Norwich.