Régis Le Bris's Sunderland squad predicted for York City opener | OneFootball

Sunderland begin their 2026/27 campaign on Saturday at York City's LNER Community Stadium, the opening friendly of pre-season.

According to Sunderland Echo, it is a busy day, with an academy team also facing South Shields, and many of the club's leading youngsters have trained with Régis Le Bris's group during the absence of 12 World Cup players.

Thomas Meunier, the club's first summer signing this week, will not make his debut. The full-back is on a post-World Cup break. How Le Bris manages minutes over the 90 remains unclear, but several names are likely to feature.

Melker Ellborg is likely to start in goal, with Robin Roefs not back on Wearside until later this month after the World Cup. It is a chance for Ellborg to build on his promising spell when Roefs was injured earlier this year.

Trai Hume finished last season on the right wing and could appear there again as Sunderland seek more depth. Alderete's break after the World Cup might see Hume used in a more natural defensive role on Saturday and in the US.

Dan Ballard has trained through early pre-season after ankle surgery that followed his controversial red card at Wolves last season. That could put him in contention to play, a timely boost.

Nordi Mukiele has been back on Wearside for the last fortnight and should be ready to play a key role on Saturday and beyond. Le Bris prefers him at right-back, though Alderete's absence might mean he starts at centre-back.

Source: Sunderland Echo