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

Sunderland return to Premier League duty on Saturday afternoon, hosting Manchester United at the Stadium of Light after the FA rejected the club’s appeal over Dan Ballard’s red card at Wolves, upholding a three-game ban that ends his league season.

As reported by Sunderland Echo, Régis Le Bris now faces a selection puzzle for an in-form United, weighing a straight replacement against a reshuffle of his back four, while decisions further forward and on the bench hinge on players returning from injury.

Goalkeeper, Robin Roefs. He made some smart stops at Wolves and will have to be at his best if Sunderland are to take anything.

Right back, Nordi Mukiele. One obvious option is to move him inside, where he began the season impressively, though Le Bris has previously underlined how important Mukiele at right back is to the team’s balance going forward and defending. He might instead keep the structure intact and make a straight centre back swap.

Centre back, Luke O’Nien. His last start there was a difficult afternoon on a day Ollie Watkins shone, with Sunderland below par defensively and a sickness bug affecting many. Given the head coach’s trust in recent months, this might be his route back.

Centre back, Omar Alderete. He was solid at Wolves and, particularly without Ballard, there is little doubt he starts.

Source: Sunderland Echo