Régis Le Bris's Sunderland XI and bench to face Man Utd predicted | OneFootball

Régis Le Bris's Sunderland XI and bench to face Man Utd predicted | OneFootball

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·9 May 2026

Régis Le Bris's Sunderland XI and bench to face Man Utd predicted

Article image:Régis Le Bris's Sunderland XI and bench to face Man Utd predicted

Sunderland return to Premier League action on Saturday afternoon at the Stadium of Light against in-form Manchester United, with Régis Le Bris weighing up changes in defence.

According to Sunderland Echo, the FA rejected Sunderland’s appeal against Dan Ballard’s red card for violent conduct at Wolves this week, upholding a three-game suspension that rules him out of the rest of the Premier League campaign.


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Le Bris must choose between a straight centre-back swap or a reshaped back four, while players on their way back from injury create dilemmas further forward and on the bench.

Goalkeeper Robin Roefs made some sharp saves at Wolves and could need another big display if Sunderland are to take anything.

One obvious fix is moving Nordi Mukiele infield, where he started the season well, though the head coach sees him as vital at right back for balance. He might keep the structure intact and make a like-for-like change centrally.

Luke O'Nien endured a difficult last start at centre back on a day Ollie Watkins shone, with Sunderland struggling collectively and a sickness bug in the camp. Given Le Bris’s trust in recent months, this might be his route back.

Omar Alderete was solid at Wolves and, with Ballard out, there is little doubt he starts here.

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