Sunderland won their opening game of the Championship season 2-0 away at Cardiff City on Saturday.
Eliezer Mayenda started up front for Sunderland as Régis Le Bris named his first starting XI as Black Cats head coach.
Le Bris opted against any surprise selections, with the team unchanged from the XI that drew 2-2 with Marseille at Valley Parade last Saturday. Aji Alese partnered Luke O’Nien in the centre of defence, with Alan Browne partnering Dan Neil in midfield.
Leo Hjelde missed out due to injury, meaning that Nectar Triantis was named in the squad despite not featuring in pre-season due to injury. Pierre Ekwah was also on the bench after a recent back injury.
O’Nien opened the scoring in the first half after he headed home following Patrick Roberts’ free-kick and Dennis Cirkin’s assist. Sunderland went into the half-time interval 1-0 up. Jack Clarke then wrapped up the game in the second half to hand Le Bris his first win in the Championship.
Here, we take a look at how Régis Le Bris’ squad could look if the transfer rumours turn out to be true:
17. SUB: Alan Browne
Sunderland have signed Alan Browne after his contract at Preston North End expired this summer. The midfielder looks like he will be a shrewd addition, adding experience and know-how to the Black Cats' midfield. | Ian Horrocks
18. SUB: Salis Abdul Samed
Sunderland are said to be in talks regarding a loan deal for the Lens defensive midfielder | Getty Images
19. SUB: Abdoullah Ba
The 20-year-old signed a five-year deal at Sunderland when he joined the club from French side Le Havre in 2022. Ba made 36 Championship appearances last season. Photo: Nigel Roddis
20. SUB: Aji Alese
The 23-year-old defender has missed large parts of this season due to injury but recently signed a contract extension with the club but is now injured Photo: Frank Reid