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:
21. SUB: Milan Aleksić
Sunderland are hoping to conclude a deal to sign Milan Aleksić ahead of Friday’s transfer deadline, The Echo has learned | Netflix UK Photo: Netflix
22. SUB: Ian Poveda
Sunderland have now signed former Leeds United and Sheffield Wednesday man Ian Poveda ahead of the 2024-25 Championship season. Photo: David Rogers
23. SUB: Romaine Mundle
Sunderland signed Mundle for a seven-figure fee from Belgian side Standard Liege in January. The 20-year-old winger signed a four-and-a-half-year deal at the Stadium of Light and made 10 Championship appearances since the move. Photo: Frank Reid
24. SUB: Tommy Watson
The 17-year-old winger is knocking on the door for first-team involvement and could be set for a big 2024-25 campaign. Especially if Jack Clarke leaves the club during the window. Photo: Ben Cuthbertson