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

Régis Le Bris expects Sunderland’s Premier League opener at Ipswich Town to feature a starting XI broadly in line with the side that ended last season so well.

According to Sunderland Echo, the head coach wants to keep faith with that core after the Black Cats took eight points from their final four games to clinch seventh and Europa League football.

He said places remain open, yet the players who finished the campaign hold them if they sustain those standards through pre-season. So far, he feels that is happening.

Sunderland have added experienced right back Thomas Meunier and remain keen to recruit high-calibre options on the right wing and at left back, which could shape selections before the window closes.

Despite two defeats on their US tour, Le Bris is encouraged by progress and believes the group’s familiarity and stability leave them ahead of this point one year ago.

He highlighted improved knowledge within the squad, more efficient work and near-automatic combinations, while stressing the need to keep refining against different opponents.

Sunderland finish their US schedule against Wrexham on Sunday, and Le Bris plans to field a different XI in each half to share minutes across the squad.

Source: Sunderland Echo