Dayann Methalie makes his Premier League debut at Manchester City on Sunday afternoon.
Régis Le Bris has made five changes to the side that beat AZ Alkmaar 1-0 in the Europa League on Wednesday night, but just one from the club's 2-0 defeat to Arsenal a week ago. Methalie replaces Reinildo, who serves a one-game suspension after being shown two yellow cards in that loss to Arsenal. It means the summer signing makes his first league appearance from the start, with Le Bris option not to ease him in gently and play Trai Hume at left back.
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Elsewhere, Thomas Meunier returns in place of Trai Hume on the right flank with Brian Brobbey up front in place of Wilson Isidor. Dan Ballard replaces Omar Alderete at centre back and Nilson Angulo returns ahead of Malick Fofana on the left flank. Alderete is named on the bench, despite being withdrawn from the win over AZ Alkmaar early in the second half. Le Bris confirmed afterwards that the issue was merely fatigue and not a fresh injury concern.
Melker Ellborg and Chemsdine Talbi both return to the squad, having not been registered in the club's Europa League squad. Reinildo's suspension means that Jules Ahoka returns to the matchday squad, having missed out against Arsenal last week.
Sunderland XI: Roefs; Mukiele, Ballard, Danso, Methalie; Xhaka, Sadiki, Le Fee; Angulo, Meunier, Brobbey
Subs: Ellborg, O'Nien, Hume, Alderete, Ahoka, Rigg, Fofana, Isidor, Talbi
Manchester City have been handed an injury boost with Jeremy Doku passed fit to take his place on the bench. Phil Foden is replaced by Iliman Ndiaye as he begins a three-match suspension.
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Le Bris on Man City test
In his pre-match press conference, Le Bris told his players to build on the positives of their win over Arsenal but said the result showed the need to be more clinical.
“we were able to be competitive against them in different areas,” Le Bris said.
“If you are strong in three or four but weak in one, they kill you. So we were consistent first of all, and second, we got our opportunities. We didn't seize those opportunities, which is probably the main point. One is about confidence—believing we have the level to be competitive—and second, you have small windows in a game and you have to seize those windows.”
Sunderland team news for Manchester City clash explained as Régis Le Bris makes big defensive call
Sunderland team news for Manchester City clash explained as Régis Le Bris makes big defensive call