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:
9. CAM: Jobe Bellingham
Still only 18, Bellingham started 43 league games for Sunderland during the 2023/24 season. The teenager played in several different positions but predominantly operated in a no 10 role, scoring seven goals during his first year on Wearside. His versatility and athleticism could prove valuable for Le Bris if Sunderland change their shape in and out of possession, with Bellingham able to press opposition defenders as part of a front three like his new head coach has previously implemented. Photo: Frank Reid
10. LW: Jack Clarke
It wouldn’t be a surprise to see Sunderland’s top scorer leave this summer, after scoring 15 Championship goals during the 2023/24 season. Still, if the winger does stay, he would be a big asset for Le Bris. While Clake probably wouldn't be suited to a wing-back role, he could still provide the width on the left and pose an attacking threat if Sunderland switched to a 3-4-3 shape in possession, as he did at the start of the 2022/23 season under Alex Neil. Photo: Frank Reid
11. ST: Nazariy Rusyn
After arriving from Ukrainian side Zorya Luhansk, it understandably took the forward time to adapt when he joined Sunderland last summer. The 25-year-old showed flashes of his ability, scoring twice, but will hope to make more of an impact during the upcoming campaign. Photo: Frank Reid
12. SUB: Simon Moore
Sunderland have made changes in their goalkeeping department this summer, after allowing Alex Bass to leave permanently and Nathan Bishop to join Wycombe on loan. Experienced stopper Moore, 34, has arrived on Wearside after his contract expired at Coventry. Photo: Stu Forster