Sunderland U21s get their Premier League 2 campaign underway against Tottenham on Monday evening
Jay Matete, who started in side during last week’s 3-2 comeback win over Scunthorpe in the National League Trophy, is not involved at all. The 24-year-old’s absence will inevitably raise questions over his future, with speculation over a potential move continuing to swirl late in the transfer window. Senior head coach Régis Le Bris has confirmed that Matete can leave the club this summer, and his non-inclusion may indicate a deal is close.
Sunderland’s line-up shows several changes from the team that featured in Lincolnshire, with Jenson Jones starting in defence, while Tutierov comes into the forward line alongside Poveda, Whittaker and Ogunsuyi. Middlemas captains the side.
The Black Cats will hope to take momentum into the PL2 opener after their dramatic win at Scunthorpe, where they fought back from 2-0 down to secure victory in stoppage time. That match saw Matete play a key role – but his absence against Spurs may indicate movement behind the scenes.
Matete has been linked with a number of clubs this summer, and while Sunderland head coach Régis Le Bris is understood to value his versatility, the strength of midfield competition at senior level – with Granit Xhaka, Noah Sadiki, Habib Diarra, Enzo Le Fée, Dan Neil, Alan Browne and Chris Rigg all ahead in the pecking order – could leave opportunities limited.
For now, Murty’s youngsters will look to make a strong start in Premier League 2, with several academy graduates handed the chance to impress. But the talking point will inevitably be Matete, whose absence suggests his Sunderland future may soon be decided. The inclusion of Poveda also suggests that his exit from the club is not imminent.
Sunderland XI: Allan, Jenson Jones, Holcroft, Kindon, Bainbridge, Burke, Middlemas, Whittaker, Poveda, Tutierov, Ogunsuyi
Subs: Cameron, Lightfoot, Jaydon Jones, Scott, Dinsdale
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