Régis Le Bris signals continuity for Sunderland XI ahead of Premier League opener at Ipswich Town

Régis Le Bris expects Sunderland’s Premier League opener to feature a starting XI broadly similar to last season’s run-in, provided pre-season standards are maintained. According to Sunderland Echo, competition remains, but the incumbents currently have the edge.

The Black Cats took eight points from their final four matches to finish seventh and qualify for the Europa League. Le Bris pointed to that run against Chelsea, Everton, Manchester United and Wolves as the basis for sticking with the core group.

He was pleased with the workflow, training intensity, ambition and standards in that period, and believes the players who finished the campaign deserve to go again, unless pre-season levels drop, which he says has not happened so far.

Sunderland have added experienced right back Thomas Meunier, and are still keen to bring in high-calibre options on the right wing and at left back. Any arrivals could shape selection decisions.

Despite losing both games on their US tour to date, Le Bris is encouraged by progress. He feels the squad’s familiarity and stability make Sunderland more efficient and well ahead of where they were a year ago, while details still need refining.

Sunderland conclude their US tour against Wrexham on Sunday, when Le Bris plans to use different XIs in each half to spread minutes.

Source: Sunderland Echo