Régis Le Bris has some major decisions to make as Sunderland return to Europa League action in Leiria on Thursday night.
The Black Cats will be looking to bolster their position in the league phase against second-tier opposition, but Le Bris said in his pre-match press conference that he is determined not to underestimate last season’s Portuguese Cup winners. He also has to strike a fine balance in managing the workload of his senior players, with Wilson Isidor emerging as a major doubt and Thomas Meunier ruled out.
Here’s our best guess as to how Sunderland might line up...
9. CM - Noah Sadiki
Sadiki is one of a number of players who has had a very heavy workload so far this season and could be considered for a rest, but it's not an area where Sunderland have lots of depth at the minute and so he might well go again. Will definitely be one who might well come off later in the game. | Sunderland Echo, Chris Fryatt
10. CM - Enzo Le Fee
One of the players whose minutes Le Bris will want to manage, with one option to keep Hume on the right and bring Chris Rigg in as a ten from the start. | Sunderland Echo, Chris Fryatt
11. LW - Malick Fofana
Nilson Angulo has played a lot of football this season and this looks like a very good opportunity to give Fofana the chance to build some rhythm and confidence. | Sunderland Echo, Chris Fryatt
12. ST - Timur Tutierov/Wilson Isidor
Isidor seemed certain to lead the line for this one but missed training on Wednesday morning and Le Bris has since confirmed that he picked up a knock in the Brighton game and is a doubt for this one. With Brian Brobbey unlikely to be risked from the start and almost certain not to play 90 either way, could that mean a big opportunity for the youngster here? Would be some story if so. | Chris Fryatt, Echo