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...
9. RW - Nilson Angulo
Played 90 minutes in midweek and though it would be very divisive with fans, has to be possible that Le Bris goes with Meunier and Hume behind him on the rigt here. Angulo has generally been making progress recently and works very hard, so might well get another chance. | AFP via Getty Images
10. LW - Chemsdine Talbi
It would be a change of approach from this season so far but might Talbi's lack of involvement on Thursday signal a chance in the offing here? Sunderland need some fresh energy and he might be best placed to decide it. | Chris Fryatt
11. ST - Brian Brobbey
Had his minutes carefully managed in midweek ahead of this crucial game.
12. Sub - Melker Ellborg
Will return to the squad here having not been registered in the Europa League. | Getty Images