Phil Smith: The big hints for Ipswich Town opener I'll be looking out for as Sunderland take on RC Lens | OneFootball

Sunderland visit RC Lens on Saturday in a pre-season test expected to reveal Régis Le Bris's thinking for the Ipswich Town opener.

Last summer a low-key 1-0 win at Blackpool, sealed late by Jack Clarke, doubled as that switch. Sunderland Echo notes Le Bris has typically made that call at this stage.

This time he is managing staggered World Cup returns. Granit Xhaka is unlikely to complete 90 minutes, but if fully fit he would be almost certain to start at Ipswich, with some workloads topped up behind closed doors.

Fitness updates will be telling. Enzo Le Fée missed Wrexham with a minor knock and was seen running afterwards, while Nordi Mukiele and Simon Adingra also took knocks, and West Ham have made an initial loan enquiry for Adingra.

Omar Alderete has rejoined training while managing a knee issue from Paraguay's World Cup, and is on a different programme. If he is not ready, Mukiele could shift inside with Trai Hume at right back, or Hume stays wide and Luke O'Nien starts as left-sided centre back.

On the left wing, Chemsdine Talbi looks the frontrunner after his strong finish. Adingra, who seems likely to depart, and possibly Romaine Mundle, are among the options, while Nilson Angulo could see greater minutes after his World Cup return.

Teenager Chris Rigg has been a standout in pre-season. With senior midfielders back, this is a chance to prove he can keep his place against Champions League opposition.

Source: Sunderland Echo

“Artificial intelligence was used to assist in creating this article based on reporting from the original source quoted.”