The tactical masterstroke that 85% of Sunderland fans want to see Regis Le Bris employ against Portsmouth
Sunderland host Portsmouth in the Championship this weekend.
When Sunderland head coach Regis Le Bris selected his starting XI to take on fellow promotion hopes Sheffield United in midweek, it was not immediately evident as to how he was intended to line up his team.
With the Frenchman having generally employed a 4-3-3 formation over the course of his time on Wearside, there were questions as to where both Adil Aouchiche and Eliezer Mayenda would fit into that presumed system – which would operate out on the left wing, and which would be permitted to roam in a more central berth.
In the end, Le Bris threw a surprise on just about everyone by altering his customary structure to a more evident 4-4-2, with Aouchiche positioned as an out-and-out left midfielder, and Mayenda playing up top with Wilson Isidor. Of course, this worked to great success, with the Black Cats prevailing 2-1, with Mayenda in particular playing a significant role in that triumph, scoring one goal and assisting the other.
This weekend, Sunderland will once again be in action at the Stadium of Light, this time facing relegation-threatened Portsmouth. And with that in mind, The Echo have asked readers whether they would want to see Le Bris remain with his new 4-4-2, or if they would like to see him return to a 4-3-3. The reaction was emphatic, with some 85% of those questioned stating that they would want to see the Frenchman remain with the shape that suited his team so well in midweek, while only 15% want him to revert to prior tactical approach.
Looking forward to Sunday’s encounter in a news conference on Friday afternoon, Le Bris stated that he is not anticipating any quick returns from the club’s injured contingent. He said: “I suppose we’ll have to take care of Dan [Ballard] since it’s a muscular issue. It’s not significant but with muscle injuries you have to be extremely cautious because you might get re-injuries. Joint injuries are distinct. We’ll have to wait a little time.
“Tommy [Watson] is still a few weeks away. With Alan [Browne], the recuperation has not been swift so we will have to postpone a week or two I guess. Like Romaine [Mundle], he will be returning a little bit later this month. Ahmed [Abdullahi] is practicing but like Salis, he has not played for roughly six months already. So I don’t know precisely when he will be ready but it will be probably take three or four weeks to reach his full rhythm.”
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