Régis Le Bris signals continuity in Sunderland XI for Ipswich Town Premier League opener | OneFootball

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

The Black Cats took eight points from their final four matches to claim seventh place and Europa League football. According to Sunderland Echo, the head coach intends to keep that core together while seeking further depth, with more additions anticipated before the transfer window closes.

He said places remain up for grabs, yet those who finished the campaign are in possession if they maintain standards through pre-season, which he feels they have so far. He pointed to the late run against Chelsea, Everton, Manchester United and Wolves as evidence of the squad’s rhythm and intensity in training.

Sunderland have brought in experienced right back Thomas Meunier and remain keen to recruit high-calibre options on the right wing and at left back, moves that could influence selections. Even so, the message from the club is that continuity matters.

Despite two defeats on their US tour, Le Bris is encouraged by the group’s progress and believes familiarity has them well ahead of this time last year. He says knowledge levels are high, the team more efficient, with automatic behaviours that now need refining for each opponent.

Sunderland finish their US schedule against Wrexham on Sunday, when Le Bris plans to use different XIs in each half to spread minutes across the squad.

Source: Sunderland Echo