The big Sunderland calls Régis Le Bris now has to make this week - and why there's no need to panic | OneFootball

Sunderland aim to respond to their opening-day loss at Ipswich Town, and Sunderland Echo notes that Régis Le Bris is unlikely to overreact to a one-goal defeat.

Sunderland were short of their sharpest and most intense levels, yet they were not outplayed. Ipswich executed their plan, Julio Enciso shone at number ten, and both goals stemmed from clear Black Cats errors.

Sweeping changes for Fulham look unlikely. Dan Ballard was below his best at Portman Road but outstanding last season, while Granit Xhaka and Omar Alderete should sharpen up with minutes after an unusual pre-season. Brian Brobbey spurned openings and Enzo Le Fée was crowded out after the break, but both remain capable of deciding Sunday.

Debate over Trai Hume on the right flank feels harsh. He was effective drifting inside, creating Sunderland’s best moments, from an early through ball for Brobbey to a cross for Noah Sadiki after Emersonn’s opener, plus a fine second-half cut-back. With Nilson Angulo’s free-kick a genuine piece of magic, Le Bris could stick with Hume while he waits for a more orthodox winger to hopefully arrive late in the window.

Chris Rigg has pressed his case but would also drift infield onto his left, so the structure would change little. Thomas Meunier impressed on his Fulham debut and brings composure, yet he, like Hume, prefers build-up to overlapping and crossing. In short, Nordi Mukiele’s absence was plain to see.

Le Bris will not risk Mukiele or Alderete before they are ready, though Mukiele’s intensity and athleticism were vital last season. Another call is whether Alderete is sharp enough to return to the starting line-up after Luke O’Nien’s tough afternoon.

Dayann Methalie should be available for some involvement, depending on his first week of full training on Wearside, and an impact role seems likelier with cup rotation next month. Le Bris’s calm and his squad’s resilience made back-to-back defeats rare last season, and that mindset could help against Álvaro Arbeloa’s Fulham. With Brentford away before Arsenal and Manchester City, a swift response would steady early nerves.

Source: Sunderland Echo

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