Sunderland play the first friendly of their US tour on Saturday night
Régis Le Bris’s Sunderland are back in action on Saturday night as they face Andoni Iraola’s Liverpool in Nashville (11pm kick off BST).
The Black Cats have taken an initial squad of 26 for their tour of the US, with Wilson Isidor arriving to bolster the ranks following his World Cup break. Here, we break down who is likely to be involved against Liverpool and what the two sides might look like as the minutes are shared again...
Robin Roefs will link up with the squad on Sunday following his World Cup commitments, and so Ellborg will get another chance to start here.
1. GK - Melker Ellborg
Robin Roefs will link up with the squad on Sunday following his World Cup commitments, and so Ellborg will get another chance to start here. | Getty Images
Jocelin Ta Bi's visa issue means Sunderland are without a senior right winger on this tour, which might mean Trai Hume is pushed further forward for this game. If so, it would be no surprise to see Mukiele shuffle across the attacking right back role he has played so well since his arrival last summer.
2. RB - Nordi Mukiele
Jocelin Ta Bi's visa issue means Sunderland are without a senior right winger on this tour, which might mean Trai Hume is pushed further forward for this game. If so, it would be no surprise to see Mukiele shuffle across the attacking right back role he has played so well since his arrival last summer. | Getty Images
Dan Ballard could be involved having returned to full training this week, but if Le Bris wants to ease him in then Seelt is a good option. He might leave the club later this summer but a strong showing at York last week demonstrated his quality.
3. CB - Jenson Seelt
Dan Ballard could be involved having returned to full training this week, but if Le Bris wants to ease him in then Seelt is a good option. He might leave the club later this summer but a strong showing at York last week demonstrated his quality. | Getty Images
With Omar Alderete returning to Wearside next month after the World Cup, O'Nien has a great chance to stake a claim for regular minutes this season on the current tour.
4. CB - Luke O'Nien
With Omar Alderete returning to Wearside next month after the World Cup, O'Nien has a great chance to stake a claim for regular minutes this season on the current tour. | Chris Fryatt