Régis Le Bris’s predicted Sunderland XI to face Brighton, key calls at full-back | OneFootball

Sunderland return to Premier League duty on Saturday, hosting Brighton at the Stadium of Light as they seek a response to their FA Cup loss at Port Vale.

According to Sunderland Echo, Régis Le Bris could welcome some key returns but still has notable absentees, leaving significant selection calls for his XI and bench.

With Robin Roefs still sidelined by a hamstring injury, Melker Ellborg will make a third start in succession. His start to life on Wearside has been dramatic, yet he has largely met the challenge well.

Right-back is one of Le Bris’s toughest decisions with Nordi Mukiele still out. Trai Hume is back from suspension but might be needed on the left if Reinildo is not quite ready. Lutsharel Geertruida would usually be next in line, though he struggled at Port Vale, while Luke O’Nien impressed at Leeds in the role, making the call too close to predict.

There is no doubt over Dan Ballard, who remains one of the first names on the teamsheet after an exceptional season. Alongside him, Omar Alderete has shaken off a slight dip around the turn of the year with a run of top-class displays.

Source: Sunderland Echo