Three Sunderland players who have picked themselves at Man United after win vs Nottingham Forest
Regis Le Bris has some tough decisions to make ahead of Sunderland’s trip to Manchester United on Saturday.
It was an impressive all-round performance from the Black Cats on 27 September, as they beat Nottingham Forest 1-0 away from home despite Sunderland facing more refereeing controversy.
The win saw Sunderland climb up to third in the table at the time, with every player on the pitch playing a vital role at the City Ground.
There have been many standout performers this season already, with players fighting for their respective spots, meaning Le Bris has some decisions to make.
These three players simply have to start at Old Trafford.
Omar Alderete
Some eyebrows were raised when Omar Alderete signed from a Getafe side that finished 13th in La Liga, but he has been an ever-present force at the back for Sunderland.
The Paraguayan international has proven himself as a key player in Le Bris’s side, getting off the mark against Forest, where he scored the winner with a brave header.
Alderete made some impressive contributions throughout the game, too, keeping Sunderland’s third clean sheet of the season already.
| Statistics | Omar Alderete |
| Clearances | 9 |
| Blocked shots | 2 |
| Accurate passes | 26/32 (81%) |
| Goals | 1 |
Robin Roefs
Robin Roefs has been an essential part of Sunderland’s early success this season, saving a penalty to keep a clean sheet against Brentford.
The 22-year-old has been outstanding for the Black Cats, with Roefs winning the man-of-the-match awards away at Crystal Palace and Nottingham Forest.
Roefs made a ridiculous six saves in the game on Saturday, preventing 2.16 expected goals to keep his third clean sheet of an impressive season so far.
Granit Xhaka
Xhaka was a statement signing in the summer that raised many eyebrows regarding a career move.
However, Xhaka has changed this Sunderland team, leading them week in, week out with leadership, experience, and pure class on the pitch.
As captain, Xhaka has stepped into the role exceptionally and was unplayable again on Saturday, picking up another assist as well as winning seven of 11 duels and eight clearances.
This Sunderland team would not be the same without Xhaka, who will probably turn out to be their most crucial player come the end of the season.
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