Sunderland fans will love what Regis Le Bris has done for Arsenal game
Lutsharel Geertruida is among the familiar faces to be named in Sunderland’s starting lineup for Saturday’s crunch clash against Arsenal.
Regis Le Bris has exceeded all expectations this season, and he’s looking to record the biggest scalp of his managerial career.
Granit Xhaka faces a reunion with Arsenal for the first time since his departure in 2023, as he plays alongside the impressive Noah Sadiki in midfield.
The league leaders come to the Stadium of Light in fantastic form, having not conceded a goal in their last eight games in all competitions.
Sunderland have been excellent this season, and it’s no surprise that Le Bris has not made any changes from the Everton game, with Geertruida starting at the back once again.
Regis Le Bris makes no changes vs Arsenal
Sunderland have the chance to go second in the Premier League table with a win against the Gunners.
There was a potential worry among Black Cats fans that they would revert to the system they used at the start of the season after the disappointing draw to Everton.
However, Geertruida‘s inclusion will be a welcome sight for supporters who have been impressed with Le Bris’ five-at-the-back tactic.
Sunderland had to play with a back five against an Arsenal side that is seemingly unstoppable at this moment in time.
| Fixture | Result |
| Everton (h) | 1-1 D |
| Chelsea (a) | 1-2 W |
| Wolves (h) | 2-0 W |
| Man United (a) | 2-0 L |
| Nottingham Forest (a) | 0-1 W |
Omar Alderete’s concussion injury means that Geertruida will once again deputise, and in Sunderland’s 1-1 draw against Everton on Monday, he was a standout in the backline.
The Dutch defender made six recoveries and recorded a pass accuracy of 96 per cent against the Toffees, and he is quickly finding his feet in the Premier League.
As for the rest of the team, Le Bris will be pleased to name a lineup that is familiar with each other, and the strike force is slowly starting to take shape.
Wilson Isidor is looking for yet another goal at the Stadium of Light, whilst Enzo Le Fee and Bertrand Traore are looking to impact the game more in the final third.
Enzo Le Fee and Bertrand Traore looking for more goal involvements
Le Fee has been a vital cog in Le Bris’ machine, with defensive contributions proving to be crucial for how Sunderland set up.
Bertrand Traore will be aiming to score his first Sunderland goal, with the Burkina Faso international becoming a mainstay in the team since the defeat to Man United.
After his stunning winning goal against Chelsea, Chemsdine Talbi may feel aggrieved to have not been reinstated into the last two starting lineups.
Simon Adingra must raise his levels, given the fact that he is the club’s second-most expensive signing of all time, yet Le Fee’s importance is too hard to ignore.
Both Traore and Le Fee have the perfect chance to maximise their output on Saturday, although it won’t be easy against a defence that has only conceded three goals this season.
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