Sunderland team news explained as key RLB call confirmed | OneFootball

According to Sunderland Echo, Régis Le Bris makes one change to face Chelsea on the Premier League’s final day, with Luke O’Nien replacing Omar Alderete, who has a hip issue but is fit for the bench.

O’Nien is rewarded after impressing off the bench in the 3-1 win at Everton last weekend. Alderete could feature later if required.

Chemsdine Talbi misses out with a muscle problem, so Nilson Angulo keeps the left flank. Bertrand Traoré returns to the squad for the first time since the 1-0 win over Leeds in March.

Sunderland XI: Roefs, Geertruida, Mukiele, O’Nien, Reinildo, Xhaka, Sadiki, Hume, Le Fee, Angulo, Brobbey. Subs: Ellborg, Isidor, Mayenda, Cirkin, Alderete, Ta Bi, Traore, Rigg, Diarra.

Chelsea restore Joao Pedro to the XI after a minor injury kept him out of the 2-1 win over Spurs. Reece James is on the bench and Levi Colwill starts under interim boss Calum McFarlane.

Despite calls for a more attacking right-sided option, Le Bris kept Hume there because he values control and balance. He highlighted Hume’s versatility across defence and midfield, cited the Everton win and noted that some wide options still need time.

For Europe, Sunderland must win. They would reach the Conference League if Brentford fail to beat Liverpool at Anfield, or if Brentford win and Brighton lose at home to Manchester United. If Brentford drop points and Brighton also lose, they would reach the Europa League.

Source: Sunderland Echo