Régis Le Bris's Sunderland starting XI and bench to face Man Utd predicted | OneFootball

Sunderland return to Premier League duty on Saturday afternoon at the Stadium of Light against in-form Manchester United, with Régis Le Bris grappling with selection after Dan Ballard’s appeal was rejected and his three-game ban confirmed for violent conduct at Wolves, ruling him out of the run-in.

According to Sunderland Echo, Le Bris must decide whether to reshuffle his back four or make a straight centre-back swap, with returning players also creating choices further forward and on the substitutes’ bench.

Goalkeeper: Robin Roefs made important saves at Wolves and will likely need to be outstanding again if Sunderland are to take anything from the game.

Right-back: Nordi Mukiele is an obvious candidate to move inside where he began the season strongly, yet Le Bris has previously highlighted his value at right-back for balance in and out of possession. He might therefore keep the structure intact and pursue a straightforward replacement in central defence.

Centre-back: Luke O’Nien endured a difficult last outing in the role on a day Ollie Watkins excelled, with Sunderland collectively below par and O’Nien among those affected by illness. Le Bris has shown significant trust in him over recent months, so this could be a route back.

Centre-back: Omar Alderete impressed last time out and, with Ballard suspended, there seems little doubt he starts.

Source: Sunderland Echo