Sunderland face Stade Rennais in final pre-season friendly at Stadium of Light | OneFootball

Sunderland round off pre-season at the Stadium of Light this afternoon against Stade Rennais, their first home outing since May’s 2-1 win over Chelsea that sealed Europa League qualification. It is the last chance to impress head coach Régis Le Bris before next Saturday’s trip to Ipswich Town.

According to Sunderland Echo, Nordi Mukiele and Omar Alderete are expected to miss out, and Le Bris said last week they are unlikely to start at Ipswich, though he remains hopeful they can make the squad. Simon Adingra is another likely absentee as the club assess the ankle injury he sustained in the US.

Talks over a new contract for Romaine Mundle are now at an advanced stage, a notable vote of confidence in the winger. He missed the 2-0 win over RC Lens last weekend with a minor ankle issue, but has trained this week and should be involved.

Former fan favourite Eliezer Mayenda returns with the Ligue 1 visitors and is sure to receive a huge reception from the few thousand in attendance. There is even the possibility the clubs could meet again in the Europa League league phase.

Sunderland will wear their traditional red and white, and supporters can also pick up the newly released third kit at the club store.

Kick-off brings the curtain down on a long summer on Wearside. For Sunderland, today offers final tune-up minutes before the opening fixture at Portman Road.

Source: Sunderland Echo

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