Régis Le Bris hints at Sunderland XI for Premier League opener at Ipswich Town | OneFootball

Régis Le Bris expects Sunderland’s opening-day XI at Ipswich Town to mirror the strong finish to last season, if standards hold through pre-season. The head coach suggested those in form remain in pole position.

According to Sunderland Echo, Sunderland took eight points from their last four matches to clinch seventh place and Europa League football. The plan is to keep that core while adding depth, with further arrivals anticipated before the window closes.

Le Bris said places are available, but the players who ended the campaign are in possession provided they maintain those levels. He pointed to the final run against Chelsea, Everton, Manchester United and Wolves, and said those standards are being met so far.

Right-back Thomas Meunier has already arrived. The club remain keen to strengthen on the right wing and at left-back, which could shape selections before the opener, though continuity remains the guiding theme.

Sunderland have lost both games on their United States tour, yet Le Bris is encouraged by progress. He believes the group’s familiarity and stability leave them well ahead of where they stood one year ago, with team patterns becoming more automatic and adjustments now about opposition detail.

They conclude the tour against Wrexham on Sunday. Le Bris is set to use a different XI in each half to spread minutes across the squad.

Source: Sunderland Echo