Here’s how Sunderland’s starting lineup and substitute bench could look if the January transfer reports are true.
Sunderland have recently received a boost with the return of crucial midfielder Chris Rigg, who had been out since the Blackburn Rovers encounter on Boxing Day after fracturing his ankle at Ewook Park.
Régis Le Bris, the head coach, has also welcomed Salis Abdul Samed back. The midfielder joined the Black Cats last summer but has not been fit since. The duo join new acquisition Enzo Le Fèe in bolstering Sunderland’s roster.
Despite the fact that it was not a league game, periphery players Abdoullah Ba and Jewison Bennette, as well as Joe Anderson, were left out of the recent FA Cup match against Stoke City. The trio appear to be out of the head coach’s plans, and they will be free to depart in January if a suitable offer comes in.
Sunderland has also been linked with a number of incoming moves, including Le Fée, as the Black Cats aim to battle for promotion in the second half of the season.
With that in mind, and just for fun, here’s how Le Bris’ starting XI and subs bench may look if the latest transfer reports are true:
1. GK: Anthony Patterson
When healthy, Anthony Patterson has been the top choice for league games under head coach Le Bris.
2. RB: Trai Hume
Trai Hume has been Sunderland’s reliable right-back under Le Bris. There have been some transfer whispers about the full-back, but he is expected to stay.
3. CB: Luke O’Nien
Sunderland’s club captain has been brilliant at centre-back this season, though Dan Ballard’s return will undoubtedly put pressure on his starting spot.
4. CB: Chris Mepham
The Bournemouth loanee has been crucial to Sunderland since signing on loan last summer.
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