James Copley: Why Régis Le Bris must consider dropping two Sunderland stars in bold tactical rethink
Régis Le Bris faces major tactical and team selection decisions as Sunderland struggle ahead of Dinamo Zagreb and Chelsea
Sunderland head coach Régis Le Bris finds himself under increasing pressure following Saturday's 3-1 defeat to Coventry City, which left the Black Cats bottom of the Premier League with just five points from nine matches.
The Frenchman has earned considerable goodwill after guiding Sunderland from 16th in the Championship to the Premier League and then European qualification in successive seasons. However, that does not make him immune from criticism, particularly when it comes to his tactics and team selections.
Sunderland have looked increasingly vulnerable defensively, struggled to create chances consistently and been guilty of repeating many of the same mistakes. Thursday's Europa League meeting with Dinamo Zagreb offers an opportunity to experiment before Chelsea visit the Stadium of Light on Sunday. Here are three changes I would seriously consider making.
1. Change Sunderland's midfield shape and give Granit Xhaka greater protection
Sunderland have predominantly operated in a 4-2-3-1 formation, with two number eight-type midfielders, typically Granit Xhaka and Noah Sadiki, operating behind Enzo Le Fée in the number ten role. The problem is that Sunderland's midfield has been too easily bypassed, leaving the defence exposed and allowing opponents to progress through the middle of the pitch far too comfortably.
That was particularly evident against Coventry, when Sunderland's defensive structure looked alarmingly fragile. I would move towards a midfield three in a 4-3-3 shape, with one recognised number six sitting behind two energetic number eights.
There is an opportunity to rotate against Dinamo Zagreb, but for Chelsea I would start Xhaka at the base of midfield, with Jules Ahoka and Sadiki operating either side of him. Xhaka remains an exceptional footballer in possession, but there is no escaping the fact that he has looked exposed off the ball at times this season.
Some of that is down to the system rather than the individual. At this stage of his career, Sunderland must recognise his physical limitations and build a structure that protects him. He has also endured a demanding period, including a World Cup campaign and a disrupted summer. Sunderland cannot expect him to cover enormous distances and simultaneously dictate every aspect of their midfield play.
Ahoka and Sadiki would provide greater energy, athleticism and defensive coverage around their captain, while allowing Xhaka to concentrate on what he does best: controlling possession and progressing the ball. As much as it pains me to write it, that would probably mean dropping Le Fée, who I believe is at his best as a number ten. You could accommodate him out wide, but that brings me to my next point.
2. Start two natural wingers and give Sunderland genuine attacking outlets
Sunderland desperately need to rediscover their threat in transition. For too long, the Black Cats have lacked natural width and genuine attacking outlets, with midfielders and defenders frequently occupying positions further forward. Chris Rigg, Thomas Meunier and Trai Hume have all been utilised in wide areas, but I believe Sunderland need to move away from that approach, at least in their current predicament.
My preference against Chelsea would be to start Chemsdine Talbi and Malick Fofana, giving Sunderland two natural wide players capable of carrying the ball, stretching defences and attacking space. Jocelin Ta Bi is another compelling option, particularly after his excellent performance against Brentford in the Carabao Cup. He is naturally suited to the right flank and deserves serious consideration for Premier League minutes.
However, neither Talbi nor Ta Bi is registered in Sunderland's Europa League squad for the league phase, meaning those particular options are unavailable against Dinamo Zagreb. That creates an opportunity for Le Bris to use Thursday's game to assess other combinations before making a bigger decision against Chelsea.
The central point remains the same: Sunderland have attacking players who can hurt opponents, and it is time to start using them in their most natural positions. Le Fée would still have an enormous role to play. Indeed, he could be a fantastic option from the bench when Sunderland need greater composure, creativity or control. But something must change. Continuing to repeat the same tactical decisions while expecting substantially different results is becoming increasingly difficult to justify.
3. Give Wilson Isidor the opportunity ahead of Brian Brobbey
This is another particularly difficult decision because I am a huge admirer of Brian Brobbey, who remains Sunderland's leading goalscorer this season. However, if Sunderland are going to change their approach and become a more effective counter-attacking team, I believe Wilson Isidor deserves an opportunity to lead the line.
With two natural wingers providing pace and width, supported by a more defensively secure midfield three, Isidor's movement and ability to attack space behind defenders could become a valuable weapon. I also believe he is the more accomplished finisher of the two, although Brobbey offers other qualities that Sunderland would undoubtedly miss.
Brobbey's physical presence, ability to occupy defenders and contribute to build-up play remain important assets. But football is ultimately about finding the right balance for the team rather than simply selecting the eleven most talented individuals. A system designed to break quickly from a solid defensive platform would, in my view, be better suited to Isidor's strengths.
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And dropping Brobbey would hardly mean abandoning him. Just as Le Fée could provide an outstanding alternative from the bench, Brobbey could be an extremely effective substitute after 50 or 60 minutes, particularly if Sunderland needed a more physical presence in attack. It is about giving Le Bris different ways to influence matches rather than becoming predictable.