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...
13. Sub - Simon Moore
With Ellborg not able to feature in this competition, Moore will come onto the bench. | Getty Images
14. Sub - Trai Hume
A strong contender to start in a number of positions here but has played a lot of football of late. | Sunderland Echo, Chris Fryatt
15. Sub - Reinildo
A candidate to be rested in terms of the starting XI but will definitely be in the squad. | Sunderland Echo, Chris Fryatt
16. Sub - Nilson Angulo
Another player who will definitely in the squad but might just be rested having started every Premier League game so far. | Sunderland Echo, Chris Fryatt