RLB explains Sunderland's penalty approach and pecking order after Leeds United win | OneFootball

Régis Le Bris has outlined Sunderland's penalty plan after Habib Diarra converted the crucial spot-kick at Elland Road, two from two despite Karl Darlow's touch.

Diarra also scored in the FA Cup win at Oxford United. Enzo Le Fée missed at Brentford but boasts a strong record this season and has stepped aside. According to Sunderland Echo, the pair choose week by week, the order is set pre-match, and if there are two penalties they alternate.

Le Bris said Diarra had tried a broken run-up to read the goalkeeper, it misfired, but he was happy to score. He added surprise is rare in a data-heavy era, yet clarity and multiple takers help.

Sunderland converted all three in the FA Cup third-round shootout at Everton, with Granit Xhaka and Luke O'Nien among the scorers.

The head coach will be without 10 players this weekend after Bertrand Traore's knee injury against Leeds, with Trai Hume and Noah Sadiki suspended.

He is confident of a deeper group by the Premier League meeting with Brighton next weekend. Brian Brobbey trained, will not face Port Vale, but should be fine next week. Reinildo should be on grass this weekend, Nordi Mukiele will probably run next week, both targeting availability around Brighton or Newcastle. Dennis Cirkin has resumed running, feels some expected pain, remains on a symptom-led programme, and is in a good place.

Source: Sunderland Echo