Sunderland are preparing for their first pre-season friendlies under new head coach Regis Le Bris but what could the team look like under the Frenchman?
The Black Cats will play two matches against South Shields and Gateshead this weekend, when the squad will be split into two teams consisting of first-team and under-21s players.
It will be interesting to see how Sunderland set up under Le Bris during pre-season. After taking charge at Lorient in 2022, the Frenchman often deployed a 4-2-3-1 formation during his first season in charge, but predominantly set his side up in a 3-4-3 or 3-4-2-1 system last term.
Le Bris will also be able to welcome new signing Alan Browne into his side during pre-season, after the former Preston midfielder signed a three-year contract with the Black Cats.
Excluding players such as Jenson Seelt and Niall Huggins who won’t be available due to injuries, this is what Sunderland’s strongest starting XI and bench could look like going into pre-season:
5. LB: Dennis Cirkin
The left-back position was an issue for Sunderland during the 2023/24 season, with Cirkin and Aji Alese missing large parts of the campaign due to injuries. Cirkin, 22, has returned to training following a hamstring issue and will hope to kick on after a frustrating 12 months. Cirkin has also shown he can play on the left of a back three which may allow Sunderland to change their shape in and out of possession under Le Bris. Photo: Frank Reid
6. CM: Dan Neil
Neil was a crucial player for Sunderland during the 2023/24 season, often dropping into a deeper midfield position. The 22-year-old missed the final three games of the campaign due to an ankle injury but will be available for pre-season. While he can play further up the pitch, Neil is probably still Sunderland's strongest option in the deep-lying midfield role due to his composure on the ball. Photo: Frank Reid
7. CM: Alan Browne
Sunderland's new signing has played in different midfield positions for Preston and should add some much-needed Championship experience to the squad. Still, Browne's best attributes are crashing the box and running the channels, rather than sitting deeper and dictating play. The 29-year-old's versatility could see him used in different positions, though. Photo: Ben Roberts Photo
8. RW: Patrick Roberts
Sunderland fans clearly haven’t seen the best of Roberts over the last year, in which he has suffered multiple injury setbacks. The 27-year-old will hope to rediscover his best form and become a regular starter again. He could be used on the right in a 4-2-3-1 system or in a more central role in a 3-4-3 shape. Photo: Frank Reid