Four ways Sunderland could line up this weekend and the two changes I think Régis Le Bris will be considering

Sunderland face Bournemouth this Saturday as they look to bounce back from a disappointing performance and result against Fulham.

With the Black Cats struggling to produce their best in both boxes, Régis Le Bris will be assessing whether any changes are needed this week both in terms of personnel and the structure of the side. Here we look at some of the different options he has, and the changes we think he might well consider...

THE CONTINUITY OPTION

Le Bris is not one for panic and most certainly not one to overreact to one poor performance. Sunderland's formation and selection didn't work at Fulham, but that doesn't necessarily mean it is inherently flawed. Sunderland's statistics at Fulham were as bad as anything they have produced this season at both ends of the pitch, and it was notable that they ceded far more chances than we have become accustomed to. There's a very fair argument that this suggests the result was mostly down to too many individuals simply having an off day, rather than any fundamental issue with the structure. There's every chance that Le Bris opts broadly to stick with what worked well in the previous block of fixtures, trusting those who dipped below their usual levels to bounce back against what must be forgotten is a very, very strong Bournemouth side.

SAME SHAPE, DIFFERENT PERSONNEL

There would also be a few opportunities for Le Bris to freshen things up within the same shape. He could bring back Omar Alderete after a week of full training to add another natural left footer to the back give, either taking Lutsharel Geertruida out or moving him across to the right of the defence. Alderete is a strong defender but has perhaps surprised with just how good he has been in possession since joining with Getafe, keeping things simple but picking options and showing real composure in his play. His return would seen like the most obvious way to freshen up the side if Le Bris thinks that this is necessary. While he has not had many match minutes of late, a full week on the training ground will surely put him back into contention.

And he also has plenty of options within this shape to freshen up his forward line, with Brian Brobbey pushing for his first start after a period of time building up to fill match fitness.

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BOLSTER THE MIDFIELD

Despite the recent shift which has clearly suited Sunderland's very strong group of defenders, 4-3-3 remains the club's primary formation of choice and back on home turf, it might be a good time for Le Bris to revert to it. The five at the back has worked very well in Sunderland's two games against top opposition in Chelsea and Arsenal, and will surely be deployed at Liverpool and Manchester City next week. Moving back to a 4-3-3 would allow Sunderland to get another midfielder into the side, though, even if it is as simple as pushing Geertruida up a little higher. Dan Neil is another option, as is Chris Rigg despite missing out on the squad last week.

The question for Le Bris is whether what he gains in another player in midfield who can get high up the pitch is worth what he will lose from having another excellent defender in his own penalty box against a dangerous Bournemouth outfit. It would probably be an easier decision if Habib Diarra, so crucial to the balance of the side in the opening weeks of the season, was available. He remains a couple of weeks away from a return at a minimum, however.

FRESHEN THINGS UP AND GO MUCH MORE ATTACKING

One interesting option Le Bris has would be to bring Enzo Le Fée back into the heart of midfield, which would in turn allow him to select a more natural winger on home turf. Simon Adingra has come off the bench in the last two games and while his Sunderland career has not gone how he would have hoped so far, there have been signs of his quality and ability to carve chances in the final third. Chemsdine Talbi has also been a persistent threat when deployed on the left wing, albeit usually as an impact substitute (or finisher, as Le Bris prefers) rather than as a starter.

SO - WHAT WILL RLB GO FOR?

With competition across the pitch so fierce, it would be a surprise if Le Bris didn't freshen things up at least a little after a disappointing performance against Fulham. However, wholesale changes seem unlikely and it feels a safe to bet to assume he'll look to keep the structure of the team as stable as possible. His two wingers have been excellent in protecting the defence, and his midfield pair absolutely superb across the campaign in general so far. A return for Omar Alderete would be no surprise given the obvious quality he has played with this so far this season, and a switch to a back four is definitely possible. And though Wilson Isidor has been outstanding this season both in terms of his goal return and his selfless work, this might be a good opportunity to see what Brobbey can do from the start.

An early predicted Sunderland XI: Roefs; Hume, Mukiele, Ballard, Alderete, Reinildo; Traore, Xhaka, Sadiki, Le Fee; Brobbey

Your next Sunderland read: The early Sunderland and Bournemouth team and injury news with three out and five doubts