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:
13. SUB: Aji Alese
Following multiple injury setbacks over the last two seasons, Alese should benefit from a full pre-season. The 23-year-old could easily become a regular starter again and is able to play as a left-back or centre-back in a back four or back three. Photo: Frank Reid
14. SUB: Timothee Pembele
Pembele has to wait for his chance after arriving from PSG last summer. The 21-year-old started three games at the end of the 2023/24 season but still has Hume ahead of him in the right-back spot. He could benefit if Sunderland do play with wing-backs. Photo: Frank Reid
15. CM: Pierre Ekwah
Ekwah often started alongside Neil in Sunderland’s engine room, making 37 league appearances during the 2023/24 season. The 22-year-old clearly has plenty of ability but will hope to find more consistency during the upcoming campaign when he will have more competition. Photo: Frank Reid
16. SUB: Chris Rigg
Still only 17, Rigg made 21 Championship appearances for Sunderland’s first team during the 2023/24 campaign, starting eight of the side’s last 11 matches. The teenager signed his first professional contract on Wearside this month and is set to remain part of the first-team set-up. Photo: Frank Reid