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:
17. SUB: Abdoullah Ba
Ba predominantly played as a right winger during his second season at Sunderland, producing some encouraging performances in the first half of the last campaign. Still only 20, the Frenchman is just one of the club’s young players who will be hoping to kick on and push for more regular starts. Photo: Frank Reid
18. SUB: Romaine Mundle
Mundle has made 11 senior appearances for Sunderland, scoring once, since joining the club in January. The 21-year-old clearly has ability yet it remains to be seen if he can become a regular starter in the Championship. Photo: Frank Reid
19. SUB: Adil Aouchiche
After a slow start to the campaign, the Frenchman did receive more first-team opportunities in the second half of the 2023/24 season. Aouchiche did produce some encouraging performances in the No 10 position but still has a point to prove. Photo: Frank Reid
20. SUB: Eliezer Mayenda
The 19-year-old forward showed flashes of his potential during his eight Championship appearances for Sunderland during the 2023/24 season. The teenager then struggled to make an impact on loan at SPL side Hibernian but will have a chance to prove himself in pre-season. Photo: Frank Reid