View: Le Bris to drop Patrick Roberts – Sunderland predicted lineup v Luton
Regis Le Bris could make a handful of changes to his Sunderland side for their trip to Luton on Wednesday 23 October with Patrick Roberts potentially facing the axe.
A win against Hull City at the weekend allowed the Black Cats to reclaim their place at the top of the Championship. However, Le Bris could make some changes to the side that were victorious as the busy schedule approaches.
Sunderland are unlikely to have any players return from injury meaning it will largely be the same pool of players involved again.
A chance to rotate for Sunderland
The one area of the pitch that is highly unlikely to see any changes is the backline. With a long list of absentees including Dan Ballard, Aji Alese and Niall Huggins, Le Bris almost has his hand forced when it comes to his defence.
Anthony Patterson earned another clean sheet against Hull, albeit in a game where the ‘keeper wasn’t forced into many saves.
The first name on the teamsheet will arguably be Chris Mepham after his heroic display at the weekend. The Welshman has been a monumental figure at the back for Sunderland ever since he stepped up in Ballard’s absence.
The Bournemouth loanee won 100 per cent of his aerial and ground duels as well his tackles, according to FotMob.
Alongside him will almost certainly be Trai Hume, Luke O’Nien and Dennis Cirkin. All of which have enjoyed successful starts to the campaign.
Perhaps most of Sunderland’s success this season is due to impressive midfield perfroamnces from Chris Rigg and Jobe Bellingham in particular.
Although, with the Christmas schedule all but here, rotation will be needed and the latter may find himself rested.
Alan Browne is expected to take Rigg’s place in the side on Wednesday and the midfielder will be hoping to build on what hasn’t been the greatest start to life on Wearside.
Browne has found game time limited but has failed to make much of an impact when he has featured, with SofaScore recording that the Irishman averages just 21.7 touches per 90 minutes. If he is to play a crucial role this season, his involvement in games will need to improve. However, he certainly has the ability to make it count.
Perhaps the biggest change that could be made arrives in the form of Roberts who endured a frustrating performance mid-week.
The winger is undoubtedly a talented footballer who will play a big role in Sundeland’s hunt for promotion. However, his performance against Hull was poor and could be used as a chance to rest him and open the door for Tommy Watson to make his first senior start.
Roberts recorded a 0 per cent dribble completion (FotMob) and struggled to have any impact on the game.
Romaine Mundle will almost certainly start on the opposite flank with Wilson Isidor up top after another goalscoring performance.
In other Sunderland news, Darren Bent believes Sunderland got away with one when Chris Mepham seemingly handled the ball in the 1-0 win against Hull City.
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