Manchester City vs Sunderland: Possible XI For The Black Cats. Two changes: Régis Le Bris’s Sunderland XI and bench to face Manchester City…

Two updates: Predicted Sunderland XI and bench by Régis Le Bris for the match against Manchester City

Sunderland has to earn as many Premier League points as possible during the busy festive period, with several tough fixtures ahead, and an away match against fierce rivals Manchester City presents a challenging opportunity to pull off an upset.

Sunderland is set to return to action as they head to Man City this Saturday.

Régis Le Bris faces significant decisions as Sunderland encounters one of their most challenging Premier League matches yet against Manchester City, following a demanding week.

In this piece, we forecast what the starting XI and bench could potentially look like…

1. GK – Robin Roefs

Established as Sunderland’s primary goalkeeper after a stellar start to the season. Came very close to a remarkable late assist on Wednesday. | Sunderland’s Robin Roefs.

2. RWB – Trai Hume

Responded positively to the disappointment of being benched against Bournemouth with a strong performance off the bench, followed by a solid display at Anfield. This should be enough to secure his position here.

3. CB – Nordi Mukiele

Has become a crucial player for Sunderland, both defensively and in advancing play – his long throw adds an extra dimension. Expected to continue his hybrid role from the previous match, defending on the right side of the back three while also pushing into a full-back position when in possession.

4. CB – Dan Ballard

Currently on a strong performance streak, and his effectiveness in both defensive and offensive situations makes him an essential choice at this time.

5. LCB – Omar Alderete

Alderete appeared to be back to his best against Liverpool, showcasing an impressive performance both in and out of possession. His current form makes him indispensable. | Sunderland’s Omar Alderete.

6. LB – Reinildo

Has delivered a series of strong performances since the international break and is evidently the preferred choice for the left side of defense at this moment. He was excellent against Mo Salah midweek.

7. RW – Bertrand Traore

Did not see any action midweek as Le Bris adjusted his lineup, and this rest may benefit him if he returns to the starting XI. His experience and calmness could make him an appealing option for Le Bris here.

He remains on four yellow cards for the season, just one away from suspension – however, Le Bris has strongly suggested he will take the risk and field his strongest team despite the derby being just a week away.

8. CM – Granit Xhaka

Remains on four yellow cards this season, just one away from a suspension – however, Le Bris has strongly suggested that he will take the risk and field his strongest lineup despite the derby being a week away.

9. CM – Noah Sadiki

In the same situation as Xhaka. He performed very well against Liverpool, making it likely that he will retain his position. |

10. LW – Enzo Le Fee

He could play in a central role after his strong performances in the last two matches, but he has also demonstrated his ability to function on the left if Le Bris decides to revert to a more traditional 5-4-1 formation.

Sunderland is managing Brobbey with care, which may provide Isidor another opportunity to start at the end of a demanding week. He will be eager to recover from that late miss against Liverpool.

11. CF – Wilson Isidor

Sunderland is managing Brobbey with care, which may provide Isidor another opportunity to start at the end of a demanding week. He will be eager to recover from that late miss against Liverpool.

He is still awaiting his first Premier League minutes following Roefs’ arrival in the summer.

12. Sub – Anthony Patterson

He is still awaiting his first Premier League minutes following Roefs’ arrival in the summer.

13. Sub – Brian Brobbey

He is making significant progress, but one wonders if the demands of a three-game week might see him return to an impact substitute role here.

14. Sub – Chemsdine Talbi

It would be unfair to exclude him after scoring against Liverpool, but Le Bris might opt for some rotation at the end of a challenging week, and Talbi could be a valuable impact player from the bench.

He has unfortunately been left out of the squad for the last couple of games. He performed well as a substitute on Wednesday and could have a similar role in this match.

15. Sub – Lutsharel Geertruida

He has unfortunately been left out of the squad for the last couple of games. He performed well as a substitute on Wednesday and could have a similar role in this match.

Mayenda will be hoping for more playing time off the bench after brief appearances against Arsenal and Fulham recently.

16. Substitute – Eliezer Mayenda

Mayenda is eager for increased playing time off the bench following his brief appearances against Arsenal and Fulham recently.

17. Substitute – Dan Neil

He is still awaiting his first start in the Premier League, but it is undoubtedly just a matter of time as AFCON approaches and the matches come thick and fast.

18. Substitute – Simon Adingra

Adingra is finding it difficult to secure regular playing time, and the return of Romaine Mundle only heightens the competition. However, he is likely to be included in the squad. | Sunderland’s Simon Adingra.

He made a successful comeback from injury against Bournemouth and will be hoping for more playing time in this match.

19. Substitute – Romaine Mundle

He made a successful comeback from injury against Bournemouth and will be hoping for more playing time in this match.

O’Nien made his Premier League debut at Liverpool, and if Le Bris maintains a back five as anticipated, he will likely retain his position for extra support ahead of Chris Rigg.

20. Substitute – Luke O’Nien

O’Nien made his Premier League debut at Liverpool, and if Le Bris continues with a back five as expected, he will likely keep his place for additional cover ahead of Chris Rigg.