View: Sunderland trio must be careful as suspension threat looms ahead of QPR clash
Sunderland regulars Trai Hume, Jobe Bellingham and Chris Rigg are all just one yellow card away from receiving a one-match ban.
A 2-1 win against Luton Town on Wednesday (24 October) gave Sunderland some breathing space at the top of the Championship with the gap now three points.
Rigg received a yellow card for a late challenge in the first half, putting him alongside Jobe and Hume having accumulated four so far this season.
Should either of the three pick up a booking in the home encounter against Oxford, they will face a suspension when the Black Cats travel to face QPR on 2 November.
Sunderland have the depth to soften any damage caused by suspension
The imminent return of Dan Ballard potentially softens the blow of Hume’s potential absence but a lack of natural full-backs can definitely be of concern.
An impressive display from Alan Browne should demonstrate the depth that Sunderland have in midfield.
Patrick Roberts dropped out of the starting 11 against Luton, after a dismal showing in the fixture prior, meaning Rigg took his position out wide with Browne playing in the centre.
Should either Rigg or Jobe face suspension, you’d expect Roberts to return out wide with Browne taking one of their places in midfield.
Sunderland will likely have to wait until the conclusion of the November international break to see Salis Abdul Samed make his debut for the club, with the former Champions League midfielder still struggling with injury.
Regis Le Bris demonstrated his confidence in his squad against Luton, having made just one change. However, as the festive period edges closer, it could be a case of forced hands when it comes to rotation and suspensions will almost certainly play their part.
In other Sunderland news, Le Bris has praised the impact Chris Mepham has had at Sunderland and played down any concerns over the Welshman’s future at the Stadium of Light.
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