After a strong display against Manchester United last weekend, Régis Le Bris has some big decisions to make as the Black Cats take on Everton.
It’s a crucial game for both teams, who are hoping to secure a top-half finish and have an outside chance of forcing their way into the European places if they can finish the campaign strongly. Le Bris has a strong squad available, and so has some tough calls to make with his XI and his bench. Here’s what we think Le Bris might go with...
Kept a valuable clean sheet last week with a smart late stop and will hope to continue that momentum here.
1. GK - Robin Roefs
Kept a valuable clean sheet last week with a smart late stop and will hope to continue that momentum here. | Getty Images
Looks highly likely to leave this summer but his selection last week showed Le Bris is only thinking about the here and how. One of Sunderland's best performers on the day, he has surely done enough to keep his place in the XI.
2. RB - Lutsharel Geertruida
Looks highly likely to leave this summer but his selection last week showed Le Bris is only thinking about the here and how. One of Sunderland's best performers on the day, he has surely done enough to keep his place in the XI. | AFP via Getty Images
Sunderland ideally want Mukiele at right back but Le Bris's reshuffle in Ballard's absence last week went well. Mukiele is comfortable at centre back and performed very, so seems likely to continue.
3. RB - Nordi Mukiele
Sunderland ideally want Mukiele at right back but Le Bris's reshuffle in Ballard's absence last week went well. Mukiele is comfortable at centre back and performed very, so seems likely to continue. | Getty Images
Has consistently been one of the first names on the teamsheet this season and after a clean sheet last time out that seems highly unlikely to change here.
4. CB - Omar Alderete
Has consistently been one of the first names on the teamsheet this season and after a clean sheet last time out that seems highly unlikely to change here. | Chris Fryatt