After an excellent performance at Anfield, Sunderland’s attention now turns to a challenge which, on paper at least, is similar to that which we faced on Wednesday at Liverpool. Regis Le Bris changed things up in midweek with Trai Hume playing a wide midfield role to good effect and Brian Brobbey leading the line well – but with this being the second big away game in the space of 72 hours, will he be tempted to rotate the squad a little? Perhaps. Added to that is the looming threat of suspensions to Granit Xhaka and Noah Sadiki. So, with two difficult games in the space of a few days, and with the derby the next game after this, will Le Bris be tempted to play the long game and rest a couple of his regular starters? I’m not so sure. Here’s how I think we’ll line up.
Another excellent game from Roefs at Anfield on Wednesday – his kicking was a little erratic on Wednesday, but we saw the immense upside of his distribution with the pass to set up Isidor’s chance. His biggest strength is his ability to relieve pressure by claiming high balls into the box, and we’ll need him to do that today, too.
Defence: Nordi Mukiele, Dan Ballard, Omar Alderete, Reinildo
When the team was announced on Wednesday the assumption was we’d go to a back five – however, Hume played right midfield to good effect and we played the majority of the game with a back four that I think is our strongest. It’s great to see Alderete back in the team – he’s got an excellent partnership with Ballard – and Reinildo was fantastic on Wednesday, too. So I think we’ll go in with the same intention today.
Midfield: Trai Hume, Granit Xhaka, Noah Sadiki, Enzo Le Fee, Chemsdine Talbi
Now, if it were up to me, there’s no way I’d start Xhaka or Sadiki today. We’re going to need the likes of Geertruida, Rigg and possibly Dan Neil in midfield over the coming weeks, so I’d be very keen to see two of those three start today. And, from a fitness point of view, it might make sense too – Sadiki’s been carrying knocks for a few weeks, and Xhaka will be feeling it after some intense international action as well as Premier League games. However, I get the feeling Le Bris won’t be looking any further ahead than this afternoon’s game when he selects his team, so I reckon, if fit, Xhaka and Sadiki will play – guaranteeing a nervy 90+ minutes for every Sunderland fan today. Le Fee will play in that advanced role pushing up alongside the striker, and I think Talbi will keep his place on the left.
I thought Brobbey was really good on Wednesday – he linked the play well and gave the Liverpool defence a really tough ride – and he should keep his place this afternoon. On the evidence so far, he’s our best natural finisher, too, so in a game in which we’re likely to have few chances, you want Brobbey on the field.