Traore To Feature Against His Former Club? | Predicted 4-3-3 Sunderland Lineup To Face Aston Villa | OneFootball

It has been a steady start so far for Sunderland in the aftermath of a busy summer. The new signings, along with the exciting pool of young talents, have made an impact early in the campaign. With 7 points after four games, Regis Le Bris’s men are sitting comfortably at 7th in the Premier League standings, ahead of hosting Aston Villa on Sunday afternoon.

The Black Cats have made a lightning start at the Stadium of Light with wins over West Ham and Brentford. Although it won’t be a stroll in the park for them against Unai Emery’s army, Le Bris would take his chances, considering the visitors’ disastrous start with no league wins, as well as the EFL Cup third-round exit this midweek.

Predicted 4-3-3 Sunderland Lineup To Face Aston Villa

Defence

The Wearsiders have a new ‘number 1’ in Robin Roefs, who has replaced Anthony Patterson between the sticks. The young Dutchman has made a positive impact by clinching two clean sheets and should aim for another one, with the Villans being the only outfit who have not scored yet in the league.

SUNDERLAND, ENGLAND – AUGUST 30: Enzo Le Fee of Sunderland celebrates scoring his team’s first goal from the penalty spot during the Premier League match between Sunderland and Brentford at Stadium of Light on August 30, 2025 in Sunderland, England. (Photo by Alex Livesey/Getty Images)

Right fullback Trai Hume has been the only defender from last season to retain his place in the starting XI. Injuries to skipper Luke O’Nien, Daniel Ballard, Leo Hjelde and Ajibola Alese forced the gaffer to bolster the backline with several central defensive signings. Nordi Mukiele and Omar Alderete are now featuring in the heart of the backline, and the veteran Reinildo Mandava has cemented his place down the left amid Dennis Cirkin’s injury absence.

Midfield

Sunderland have the perfect blend of youth and experience in the centre of the pitch. Veteran Granit Xhaka has been brought in to drive the show from the deep using his profound experience and expertise, and his presence at the base has freed up space for Noah Sadiki and Habib Diarra to operate box-to-box, control the pockets and make down-the-middle runs to operate in the advanced areas. Enzo Le Fee remains a fitness doubt, but the versatile Lutsharel Geertruida and the young duo, Chris Rigg and Dan Neil, could be involved from the bench at some point in the second half.

Attack

The Mackems are well-equipped up top with various attacking options across the frontline. Wilson Isidor has found the net twice and therefore, should keep his ‘number 9’ spot ahead of Eliezer Mayenda and Brian Brobbey. Le Bris could prefer Bertrand Traore against his former employers ahead of Chemsdine Talbi, but Simon Adingra is expected to operate from the left, exhibiting his flair, finesse and dribbling traits.