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Will our first choice eleven be able to keep us up this season?
Based on a sample of one, I’d say yes, but maybe we just played the team that’ll finish bottom this year. Given that players will get injured or lose form, is our squad deep enough to stay up? That’s a different question.
Most Premier League teams try to have two players for each position. Ideally, those players are of an equal standard, but that’s rarely the case.
Last season, Manchester City and Arsenal were both chasing the title. City lost Rodri early on and struggled to hit their objectives as a result, while Arsenal lost Bukayo Saka for large chunks of the season and weren’t the same team without him.
I’m happy with the defence.
If we lost one, we would be fine. If we lost two, we could probably get by for a few weeks. We should also have enough options in midfield, but we don’t know whether Dan Neil or Chris Rigg can perform at Premier League level, so that’s a slight worry. We’re a bit light on forwards, but that’s understandable given their price and availability. The potential problem is the right wing.
On the left, we’re covered if Romaine Mundle can stay fit. If not, Enzo Le Fée can play there if necessary and, from what I’ve read, probably Arthur Masuaku. On the right, Chemsdine Talbi looked good on Saturday, but he’s young, so can he maintain his form all season — and what if he picks up an injury?
SUNDERLAND, ENGLAND - AUGUST 16: Chemsdine Talbi of Sunderland controls the ball during the Premier League match between Sunderland and West Ham United at Stadium of Light on August 16, 2025 in Sunderland, England. (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)
SUNDERLAND, ENGLAND - AUGUST 16: Chemsdine Talbi of Sunderland controls the ball during the Premier League match between Sunderland and West Ham United at Stadium of Light on August 16, 2025 in Sunderland, England. (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)
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I’ve always stuck up for Patrick Roberts as he tends to bring in other players into play. Admittedly, his goals and assist numbers are poor, but as a team player, he’s worth having in the squad. He’s always an option to change things around off the bench, but having to regularly start him on the right would be a worry.
If not Roberts, who else could play down the right? On paper, Eliezer Mayenda is an option, but given we’re light on forwards, he’s needed elsewhere. Rigg has played on the right regularly, but he isn’t a true winger and we don’t yet know if he can step up to be a regular Premier League starter.
If the club spends again, a right winger should be the priority, but what level of player are we talking about?
Given Talbi’s age and inexperience, I suggest it should be someone who could be a regular starter and not a young loanee. It pains me to admit that it would push Roberts down the order or even out of the door, but if we don’t dip into the market, we could have problems.
As everyone knows, the Premier League is tough. If a team has one weakness, it’ll be spotted and ruthlessly exploited week after week. Can we really afford to take the risk?
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