View: Le Bris to drop Connolly in two changes – Sunderland predicted XI v West Brom
Regis Le Bris is expected to drop Aaron Connolly in two changes for his Sunderland side to face West Brom on Tuesday.
The Black Cats will welcome West Brom to the Stadium of Light [26 November], aiming to lay down a statement of intent in the Championship after Leeds United moved level on points at the summit.
Le Bris will need to make changes to his side against the playoff hopefuls and could sacrifice Connolly despite his goal in the 1-1 draw against Millwall on Saturday [23 November] – the Republic of Ireland international is a doubt heading into the clash.
Jobe Bellingham is in line to return to the side after serving the final match of his three-game suspension against Millwall, which could ease the burden on Chris Rigg in central midfield.
Sunderland to make two changes to face West Brom
Anthony Patterson should resume his duties between the sticks for Sunderland; the Arsenal-linked shot stopper [TBR Football] continued his fine form, making four saves in the 1-1 draw on the weekend [Sofascore].
Luke O’Nien was excellent against Millwall, completing 70 per cent of his passes with one key pass, 58 per cent of his long balls and winning 71 per cent of his duels on the day and, will be expected to continue on Tuesday.
The rest of the Black Cats’ backline will be expected to remain the same to face West Brom, with Chris Mepham and Daniel Ballard partnering in central defence and Ajibola-Joshua Alese lining up at left-back.
Jobe Bellingham should make his return to the side after completing his three-match suspension for his red card offence in the 0-0 draw against Queens Park Rangers.
The 19-year-old should replace Chris Rigg in the starting lineup – the 17-year-old struggled against Millwall, only completing 53 per cent of his passes, losing 88 per cent of his ground duels and losing possession 24 times on the day.
Dan Neil will be expected to complete the double pivot, with Milan Aleksic operating behind the striker. The Serbian should get a starting berth against West Brom after he replaced Aaron Connolly at The Den.
Connolly opened the scoring for Sunderland but could only muster two completed passes during his 58 minutes on the pitch and should return to the bench at the Stadium of Light.
Elizier Mayenda had a solid outing last time out, completing 85 per cent of his passes with three key passes and 50 per cent of his dribbles on the right flank. The 19-year-old is finding his feet in the North East and will be expected to resume his duties with Tom Watson expected to line up on the opposite flank.
Wilson Isidor should continue to lead the line for Sunderland but will need to up his game for West Brom. The 24-year-old only recorded one shot on target against Millwall and completed five passes throughout the 90 minutes.
Isidor was a physical presence, winning 66 per cent of his duels and making four tackles. However, Le Bris will be hopeful his main will get among the goals at the Stadium of Light.
In other Sunderland news, Carlton Palmer makes a ‘betrayal’ claim about Chris Rigg for the Black Cats.
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