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

According to Sunderland Echo, Régis Le Bris expects Sunderland’s opening-day starting XI to look broadly similar to the side that finished last season so strongly. The Black Cats took eight points from their final four matches to seal seventh place and Europa League football.

Speaking on the US tour, he said places are available, but those who ended the campaign remain in possession if they sustain those standards through pre-season. He pointed to the run against Chelsea, Everton, Manchester United and Wolves as the reference point.

Le Bris praised the workflow, training intensity, ambition and standards over the final month. He said the players involved deserve to go again unless they dip during pre-season, which he has not seen so far, while noting nothing is settled and the existing dynamic helps.

Sunderland have added experienced right back Thomas Meunier. They are still targeting high-calibre options on the right wing and at left back, moves that could influence selection before the campaign begins, though the club’s message is that continuity matters most.

Results have not yet followed, with both tour fixtures lost, but the head coach is encouraged by progress and the group’s familiarity. He says knowledge within the squad is far higher than one year ago, that players are acting more automatically, and that refinements will come according to the opposition. Sunderland finish the tour against Wrexham on Sunday, with different XIs planned for each half.

Source: Sunderland Echo