Régis Le Bris details Malick Fofana and Dayann Methalie selection calls ahead of Hull City
Régis Le Bris plans major changes against Hull City, with Malick Fofana and Dayann Methalie in line to start
Régis Le Bris is planning to make as many as nine or ten changes when Sunderland face Hull City in the third round of the Carabao Cup.
The Black Cats return to action at the Stadium of Light on Tuesday night, just three days after their 1-1 Premier League draw against Brentford. Le Bris handed Kevin Danso his Sunderland debut at the Gtech Community Stadium, while deadline-day signing Malick Fofana made his first appearance from the bench.
Dayann Methalie was also among the substitutes after completing a suspension carried over from his time in France. Indeed, Fofana, Methalie and Jules Ahoka are now in line to make their first starts against Hull as Le Bris prepares to rotate his squad heavily during a demanding run of fixtures.
The Echo has launched a new WhatsApp SAFC Channel to bring the latest news, analysis and team & injury updates direct to your phone. Simply click this link to join our SAFC WhatsApp channel.
“Yes, it’s a good opportunity to give minutes in a competitive game, which is very positive,” Le Bris said. “We believe that we’ll change the team, more or less, with ten or nine changes. We’ll see in terms of numbers. Dayann should start, for example. I think probably Malick as well. We’ll see, but it’s a good opportunity.”
The fixture will allow Le Bris to assess several members of his squad before Sunderland face Arsenal in the Premier League and begin their Europa League campaign against AZ Alkmaar. The head coach believes the competitive nature of the Carabao Cup makes the Hull game particularly valuable for players who need minutes.
“Yes, it’s much better than a friendly game,” Le Bris added. “You’re in your stadium against a good team. It’s the perfect condition to build those minutes and get better.”