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

Régis Le Bris expects Sunderland’s Premier League opener XI to resemble the side that finished last season strongly, subject to pre-season standards.

According to Sunderland Echo, the Black Cats took eight points from their final four matches to seal a seventh-placed finish and Europa League football, and intend to keep that core.

Le Bris said places are available, but those who ended the campaign have the shirts if they maintain their level through pre-season, which he says is the case so far.

Sunderland have signed experienced right back Thomas Meunier and remain keen to recruit high-calibre options on the right wing and at left back, which could shape selections before kick-off. Even so, the message is continuity.

Despite defeats in both fixtures on the US tour to date, the head coach is encouraged by progress. He believes familiarity and stability leave the group well ahead of where they were a year ago.

He adds that understanding within the squad is high, with more efficient work and quicker automatic behaviours, though refinement will continue against each opponent. Sunderland finish their US tour against Wrexham on Sunday, with different XIs planned for each half.

Source: Sunderland Echo