Régis Le Bris weighs Sunderland’s big calls before Chelsea decider | OneFootball

Régis Le Bris faces major selection calls before Sunderland’s final-day trip to Chelsea with Europe on the line. According to Sunderland Echo, the focus is Omar Alderete’s fitness, Trai Hume’s role, the left flank and whether Bertrand Traoré makes the bench.

Alderete aggravated a hip issue early in the Everton win and is being assessed. Le Bris usually picks him for defending and build-up, but Luke O’Nien impressed in relief, so taking a risk if he is not fully fit may be avoided. Early prediction: O’Nien starts.

Hume’s hybrid right-wing role freed Enzo Le Fée to move infield and worked well during a run of nine goals in two games. With more possession, he has often looked like a traditional winger, so Le Bris could opt for a natural wide player or Chris Rigg or Habib Diarra. Early prediction: Hume keeps his place.

If Hume stays, the call is Chemsdine Talbi or Nilson Angulo on the left. Angulo earned Everton selection with superb training, while Talbi offers pace and directness from the bench but also seems likelier to nick a goal. Early prediction: Talbi returns.

Bertrand Traoré is first choice on the right when fit, yet after a long AFCON knee lay-off he has missed the last two squads despite full training. Le Bris says his future will not affect selection and must judge if he can impact late on, a big ask after so long without minutes, with the same applying to Jocelin Ta Bi. Early prediction: Traoré misses out.

Source: Sunderland Echo