Three months after that famous final-day win over Chelsea, Sunderland are back in competitive action on Saturday afternoon.
A historic campaign begins at Portman Road, with a tricky test for Le Bris’s side against newly-promoted Ipswich Town. The Sunderland head coach has some big decisions to make, with a relatively clean bill of health but a number of players not quite at their maximum in terms of match fitness. So here’s what we think Le Bris might go with, and who is likely to be on the bench with a big part to play...
17. Sub - Chris Rigg
Rigg probably deserves a place in the XI based on pre-season performances but has to initially settle for a role as an impact sub. | Chris Fryatt, Echo
18. Sub - Romaine Mundle
A new contract on Wearside was agreed earlier this week and will hope for his first minutes of the season from the bench here. | Chris Fryatt
19. Sub - Wilson Isidor
Isidor signed a new contract on Wearside earlier this week and will have a big part to play in this game, most likely from the bench initially. | AFP via Getty Images
20. Sub - Jocelin Ta Bi
Ta Bi has loan interest but could be involved from the bench. Possible that he drops out to make way for Jules Ahoka. | Chris Fryatt