Sunderland predicted XI v Sporting CP: Chris Rigg starts in five changes
Sunderland’s pre-season is set to continue on Monday, with a friendly against Sporting CP.
Regis Le Bris’ side have already had an action-packed summer, with the Black Cats now going into their fourth friendly.
This has given the manager the opportunity to oversee his new signings in action and prepare them for Premier League football.
Now, Sunderland face another difficult test as they take on Portuguese champions Sporting CP.
Therefore, ahead of the tie, Mackem News has attempted to predict who Le Bris will start for the match.
Chris Rigg to return vs Sporting CP
Given that Sunderland only played out a 1-1 draw vs Sevilla on Saturday, Le Bris will likely want to freshen up his squad.
As a result, Anthony Patterson will return to the starting XI after the keeper failed to play a part in the weekend’s game.
In front of him, Trai Hume and Niall Huggins will remain the full-backs, with Luke O’Nien returning to the XI to partner Dan Ballard.
Into midfield, and Patrick Roberts will come in on the right wing, with Chemsdine Talbi remaining on the opposite flank.
For the trio in the centre, Chris Rigg will return to the XI after missing out against Sevilla, as well as Dan Neil. However, Habib Diarra will keep his place in the lineup.
Up top, the sole attacker will once again be Eliezer Mayenda, who will look to provide the goals.
Le Bris will be hoping Sunderland’s good form continues
So far this pre-season, Sunderland have been solid and were impressive in their draw with Sevilla.
Now, Le Bris will be hoping that this trend continues against the Portuguese champions.
| Sunderland’s remaining pre-season schedule | Date |
| Sporting CP vs Sunderland | 21 July |
| Hearts vs Sunderland | 26 July |
| Hull City vs Sunderland | 29 July |
| Sunderland vs Real Betis | 2 August |
| Augsburg vs Sunderland | 9 August |
| Sunderland vs Rayo Vallecano | 10 August |
The match will likely be Sunderland’s biggest test so far, with Sporting CP boasting players such as Giorgi Kochorashvili. However, Viktor Gyokeres is unlikely to play due to his ongoing strike.
If Sunderland can get another positive result again on Monday, it will be a credible feat and only breed more confidence ahead of the new season.
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