Sunderland head coach Régis Le Bris has issued a team news update
Régis Le Bris will make changes at Oxford United on Sunday but the Sunderland head coach has said he will follow the template of the third round win over Everton and select a strong side.
Sunderland are back in FA Cup action after demanding Premier League fixtures against Arsenal and Liverpool, with Le Bris set to rotate in order to guard against fatigue and injury. However, he firmly believes the club can combine their league ambitions with an FA Cup run and will pick his team accordingly.
“We had a strong week with two games against two top six teams,” Le Bris said.
“It was really demanding, physically especially. We'll probably adjust the squad, but it will be important to go strong. I think the schedule won't be too busy during this second part of the season. It's possible to combine both Our attention is still on the league. It's really clear. We have to reach this target around 40 points, 42 maybe, because the race will be intense. This is our main intention but because of the schedule, I think we can combine both. Let's try to go further.
“Like we did against Everton, we want to go strong. For the context, the last game we had is a really good reminder. The championship is tough, even if they are struggling in the league. We expect a tough game, especially in a competition like that. We'll have to show a strong version of Sunderland to be the winner at the end of the game.”
Le Bris confirmed that Jocelin Ta Bi could be named in the matchday squad for the first time, having started full training earlier in the week.
“Yes, Jocelin is ready,” Le Bris said.
“He might be in the squad. He was the 21st player against Liverpool but we decided to stay safe, but now he's ready.”
Omar Alderete will be rested for the game, but Le Bris is confident there is no significant injury after his late substitution against Liverpool in midweek.
“Omar struggled with his foot,” Le Bris explained.
“He got a kick two weeks ago, I think. Probably, he will rest this weekend.”
Le Bris also dropped a strong hint that he will go with Robin Roefs in goal: “It's not decided yet but the key message is to go strong.
“It doesn't mean that Melker is not ready, he is but after that, it's a question of balance.”
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Sunderland’s statement on Kristjaan Speakman’s departure
Sunderland AFC today confirms that Sporting Director Kristjaan Speakman has left the Club with immediate effect. Kristjaan was a key figure during one of the most significant periods in the Club’s recent history, playing an important role in bringing Sunderland back to the Premier League.
Appointed in December 2020, he led a comprehensive rebuild of the Club’s football operations, reshaping its recruitment and performance infrastructure and restoring competitive momentum. His time on Wearside included three victories at Wembley Stadium, including Sunderland’s first win at the national stadium since 1973 and two Play-Off Final wins.
With Premier League status restored and a strengthened football leadership structure in place, the Board of Directors has made the decision to continue the Club’s journey without Kristjaan.
Director of Football Florent Ghisolfi will continue to lead Sunderland’s sporting programme after assuming control of all football operations in July 2025.
“Kristjaan has made an important contribution to Sunderland AFC during a period of significant transition and growth, helping to rebuild the Club and restore its place in the Premier League,” Speakman said.
“Strong foundations have been established throughout our football operations over the past five years, and that phase of redevelopment is now complete. As we look to the future, our focus is on building from that position of strength with clarity of direction and sustained progress. We are grateful for Kristjaan’s commitment and professionalism and wish him every success for the future.”
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