Starting XI: Is This How Sunderland Will Line Up Against The Hosts Today?
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While it’d be nice to have a full strength squad for Regis Le Bris to pick from today, we’ve got a good group of players who’ll be desperate to follow up December’s derby win with another today. In reality, it’ll be a tough ask, but Le Bris and this team have pulled off big results on a number of occasions this season… let’s hope today is another to add to that list. Here’s how I think we’ll line up.
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Goalkeeper: Melker Ellborg
Robin Roefs was left out of the Dutch squad, which suggests he’s not going to be fit for this game, so Ellborg will keep his place today. He made a tremendous save in the first half last week, and looks a good prospect, albeit very raw – and I think he should have done better with Brighton’s goal. His kicking worries me – he seems very confident on the ball, which is good of course, but today we just need him to be sensible and not take any risks.
Defence: Trai Hume, Lutsharel Geertruida, Omar Alderete, Reinildo
Dan Ballard will likely miss out – I don’t think they’ll risk a hamstring today, while I doubt Mukiele will be back either, although Le Bris confirmed Reinildo was available again, which is a massive boost. In the centre of defence it’s therefore a choice between Luke O’Nien and Geertruida, and I’d go for the Dutchman here today. Although he’s not been flying this season, he’s got quality and I do worry about O’Nien in a game like today.
Midfield: Chris Rigg, Granit Xhaka, Habib Diarra, Noah Sadiki, Enzo Le Fee
Chris Rigg was excellent last weekend and I think he’ll keep his place on the right, with Xhaka, Diarra and Sadiki in the centre. Diarra needs a good performance after a poor run of form, and this could be the platform for him. On the left, I’m keeping my fingers crossed Enzo Le Fee will be fit – if so he’ll play on the left. If not, Chemsdine Talbi should come in.
Forward: Brian Brobbey
Brian Brobbey looked a little rusty last weekend, but his 70 minutes plus a week’s training should see him approaching his best again. He’s going to have to put in a shift today, and we need the likes of Rigg, Le Fee and Diarra to get close to him and play off him – but he’s a serious threat with service, and we need to ensure we offer more going forward that we have done in recent games.