Sunderland have ‘big problem’ for Nottingham Forest match – Jeff Stelling
Sunderland may be riding high in the Premier League, but something may stand in their way on Saturday.
Regis Le Bris has orchestrated an outstanding start to the season, and while he may not want to admit it, he is looking comfortable in the Premier League.
Wilson Isidor rescued a point for Sunderland against Aston Villa despite the Black Cats playing most of the encounter with 10 men.
Despite their success, Hartlepool supporter Jeff Stelling believes they have an issue ahead of their contest with Nottingham Forest on Saturday.
Sunderland could struggle without Stadium of Light support
Alan Shearer was full of praise for Nordi Mukiele after his performance against Villa, and he has been central to the Wearsiders’ success.
While Shearer is right, immense credit must also be heaped on Le Bris, who has managed to assemble a solid Premier League outfit.
Although Forest are in a bit of a pickle, they will be on home soil on Saturday, with the City Ground spurring them on.
- Sunderland wins: 40
- Draws: 24
- Nottingham Forest wins: 33
That is why Stelling, while speaking on talkSPORT’s X account, believes Le Bris’ men will come unstuck against Ange Postecoglou’s side.
“There was so much to like about Sunderland once they’d been reduced to 10 men against Aston Villa,” he said on 25 September.
“But they won’t have the backing of that fanatical home crowd this time round, and that’s a big problem…
“I’m going to go Nottingham Forest two, Sunderland nil.”
- Read more: Nottingham Forest vs Sunderland preview: Team news, likely line-ups, scoreline prediction
Regis Le Bris to shake up his side against Nottingham Forest?
Le Bris will be forced to mix up his Sunderland side due to Reinildo’s suspension and Habib Diarra’s injury.
While the absence of both players is certainly a blow, the Frenchman is well equipped to cope without them.
If he wants to make straight swaps, then bringing in Chris Rigg and Arthur Masuaku feels like the most logical thing to do.
However, it has been suggested that Le Bris could go with three at the back, meaning that Dan Ballard could partner Mukiele and Omar Alderete.
It may well be that the manager sticks with the same formation that has served him well, with just the straight swaps against Forest.
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