Régis Le Bris faces one of the biggest selections of his Sunderland tenure as the Black Cats take on Chelsea at the Stadium of Light on Sunday.
Le Bris was backed by the club hierarchy early this week despite a disappointing run of form, but the pressure has risen again after the Europa League defeat to Dinamo Zagreb. Here’s our best guess as to how he might approach the game, both with his starting XI and with the bench...
1. GK - Robin Roefs
Sunderland will need a big performance from their number one if they are to turn around their form against tough opposition. | Getty Images
2. RB - Thomas Meunier
Le Bris confirmed Meunier's withdrawal at half time against Dinamo Zagreb was pre planned to protect him for this game. You'd have to think he'd start - his experience and physicality could be key. | Getty Images
3. CB - Nordi Mukiele
Little doubt that Mukiele starts if available. Le Bris said on Friday that he hoped that the defender would be out of the concussion protocols in time to play in this game but remained something of a doubt. Would be a massive blow if he was absent again given Sunderland's ongoing struggles, and a huge boost if he returns. | Sunderland Echo, Chris Fryatt
4. CB - Luke O'Nien
Danso and Alderete had another tough night on Thursday and though O'Nien didn't have his best game at Coventry, he feels the steadiest bet for Le Bris right now. That he didn't feature at all on Thursday night would suggest he is being saves for a key role here. | Chris Fryatt