adminSunderland manager Regis Le Bris appears ready to make some important selection decisions ahead of Sunday’s Premier League clash with Fulham, with one potential change in particular attracting plenty of attention from supporters.
The Black Cats return to the Stadium of Light looking to secure their first Premier League points of the new campaign after suffering a frustrating 2-1 defeat away to Ipswich Town on the opening weekend.
That result has increased the importance of the meeting with Fulham, and Le Bris now has to decide whether to remain loyal to the players who started at Portman Road or make immediate adjustments.
Reports suggest that several changes could be made, particularly in defence and attack.
Sunderland were unable to hold on after Nilson Angulo cancelled out Ipswich’s advantage, eventually conceding a late goal to Jack Clarke. The defeat highlighted areas that Le Bris will want to address quickly, especially with another difficult Premier League test arriving.
Defensive changes being considered
The Sunderland defence could look different against Fulham.
Dan Ballard started the defeat against Ipswich, but there has been speculation that Le Bris could alter his centre-back pairing. Nordi Mukiele and Omar Alderete are among the players who could come into consideration.
Thomas Meunier is expected to remain involved at right-back, while Reinildo Mandava could continue on the opposite side.
Dayann Methalie’s suspension has already complicated Le Bris’ options. The defender is unavailable because of a suspension carried over from his time in France, leaving Sunderland needing an alternative at left-back.
With Fulham expected to bring an aggressive attacking approach, Le Bris must decide whether experience and continuity are more important or whether a fresh defensive combination could provide greater stability.
Midfield could remain unchanged
Despite the potential changes elsewhere, Sunderland’s midfield is expected to remain largely intact.
Granit Xhaka is likely to continue in the middle of the pitch, with Noah Sadiki also expected to retain his place. Enzo Le Fée could again operate further forward.
Xhaka’s leadership and experience could be particularly valuable as Sunderland attempt to control the game and avoid the defensive lapses that cost them against Ipswich.
Sadiki will be expected to provide energy and help Sunderland transition quickly, while Le Fée could be tasked with finding pockets of space between the Fulham midfield and defence.
Angulo strengthens his case
One player who appears to have done enough to keep his place is Nilson Angulo.
The Ecuadorian winger scored Sunderland’s equaliser against Ipswich and was one of the brighter performers during an otherwise disappointing afternoon.
With Simon Adingra unavailable because of an ankle problem, Angulo could once again be given the responsibility of providing width and attacking threat from the left.
His goal may have given him an important advantage in Le Bris’ thinking, and supporters will be hoping he can produce another influential performance in front of the home crowd.
The big decision: Brobbey or Isidor?
The most intriguing selection battle could come at centre-forward.
Brian Brobbey started against Ipswich and remains one of Sunderland’s major attacking options. However, reports have suggested that Wilson Isidor could be considered for a starting role against Fulham.
That possibility has naturally caught the attention of Sunderland supporters.
Isidor offers pace and could potentially exploit space behind Fulham’s defensive line, particularly if the visitors continue with an aggressive pressing approach.
Le Bris may therefore have to choose between continuing with Brobbey or turning to Isidor in an attempt to give Sunderland a more direct attacking threat.
The decision could reveal a lot about Sunderland’s tactical approach.
If Brobbey starts, it would represent continued faith in the summer signing. If Isidor gets the nod, Le Bris would be making a clear statement that he wants to exploit Fulham’s defensive space with speed.
Fulham present another difficult challenge
Fulham also arrive searching for their first Premier League points of the campaign.
They suffered a 3-2 defeat against Chelsea in their opening league fixture but responded positively by beating AFC Wimbledon 3-0 in the Carabao Cup.
Under new manager Alvaro Arbeloa, Fulham are expected to play with greater intensity and a more aggressive approach.
That could make Sunderland’s ability to transition quickly particularly important.
Rather than attempting to dominate possession for long periods, Le Bris could encourage his players to win the ball and immediately attack the spaces behind Fulham’s defensive line.
Players such as Angulo, Le Fée and Trai Hume could therefore play crucial roles.
Sunderland need a response
The pressure is not enormous yet, but Sunderland know that another defeat would make their start to the campaign considerably more difficult.
The Black Cats enjoyed an impressive return to the Premier League last season, finishing seventh and securing European football. That success has naturally raised expectations around the club.
Supporters now want to see whether Le Bris can build on that achievement.
Sunday’s fixture is Sunderland’s first Premier League home match of the campaign, meaning the Stadium of Light should provide a major boost.
A strong performance and victory would quickly ease concerns created by the Ipswich defeat.
But another defensive collapse could lead to further questions.
That makes Le Bris’ team selection particularly significant.
Fans waiting for the team sheet
Predicted line-ups have pointed towards a 4-2-3-1 formation, with Robin Roefs expected in goal and Meunier, Ballard, Alderete and Reinildo potentially forming the defence.
Xhaka and Sadiki could operate in midfield, while Hume, Le Fée and Angulo would support Brobbey.
However, possible changes involving Mukiele, Ballard and especially Isidor mean the final team sheet could look considerably different.
For Sunderland supporters, the striker decision may ultimately be the biggest talking point.
Le Bris has an opportunity to respond immediately after the disappointing result at Ipswich, and his selection could provide the first indication of how he intends to approach the remainder of the campaign.
If Isidor is handed a surprise starting role, Sunderland could be signalling a more direct and aggressive approach against Fulham.
Whatever decision Le Bris makes, supporters will be watching closely.
The Sunderland boss knows that three points would provide the perfect response, while another defeat would increase the pressure surrounding the team.
For now, everyone is waiting for the official XI — and one particular decision could dominate the conversation before kick-off.
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