Tommy Watson axed in four changes – Sunderland predicted XI v Swansea
Regis Le Bris could make as many as four changes to his Sunderland side when they face Swansea City this Saturday.
The Black Cats’ 0-0 draw with Norwich City wasn’t the most pleasant of watches, though the result was enough to seal their spot in the playoffs come the end of the season.
A fourth-place finish is all but cemented for Sunderland, leaving them with very little to play for ahead of the final five games.
Le Bris has a difficult decision to make in terms of what he prioritises from now, though he is expected to return to a very strong lineup for the encounter with the Welsh outfit.
Alan Browne drops back into the back four for Sunderland
Defensively, Sunderland have very few options, so it’s likely that the back four will largely remain the same from the clash at Carrow Road.
Trai Hume, Chris Mepham and Luke O’Nien should retain their place in the side, while Leo Hjelde could be dropped after failing to impress, forcing Alan Browne to drop back into defence.
| Norwich v Sunderland | Pass accuracy | Tackles won | Duels won | Blocks |
| Mepham | 91% | 1 | 2 | 3 |
That change would see Hume move over to left back, which was his position when he scored the winner against West Brom, while Browne should fill in at right back.
Two changes could arrive in midfield, with Jobe Bellingham potentially returning to the lineup after missing the last game with a knock, while Enzo Le Fee could make his first start since returning from injury.
Dan Neil has been far from his best in recent weeks, though a lack of a direct replacement means he will likely start in the six role for the Mackems.
Patrick Roberts returns for Sunderland
Milan Aleksic failed to impress on his audition at right wing, and it’s highly unlikely that he will be afforded another chance against the Swans, with Patrick Roberts expected to come back in.
Despite his own struggles, Roberts holds a significant amount of value to this Sunderland team, and may provide the answer to what was a poor attacking performance against the Canaries.
Tommy Watson failed to impress, and Eliezer Mayenda could shift over to the left flank, allowing for a return to the lineup for Wilson Isidor, who will be keen to get back on the scoresheet.