Sunderland’s busy schedule continues as they face Everton in the third round of the FA Cup

Régis Le Bris has pledged to pick the strongest Sunderland XI possible as they face Everton in the FA Cup third round on Saturday lunchtime.

Changes from recent games are inevitable as Le Bris warned he wouldn't take risks with players who are at risk of injury following a punishing festive schedule, but a wholesale overhaul appears unlikely. Le Bris was set to make a late decision on his starting XI and bench after training on Friday, with the head coach hopeful that Wilson Isidor and 'one or two' of the four players returning from the Africa Cup of Nations would be able to play some part.

That will inevitably play some part in shaping the strength of the team but the head coach has made clear that the competition is not being treated as an afterthought on Wearside.

"Yeah, new game, new energy," Le Bris said.

"I think we want to go strong because we respect this competition. And at the same time, we'll have to manage the load of a few players.

"At the minute, we don't have the full picture because the schedule is so busy that every hour is useful to understand exactly the situation. So we won't take unnecessary risks, but we will select the best team as possible.

"I think it's important to play the game like a Premier League game. And maybe we'll be happy two or three rounds to stay connected with the competitionYeah, but it will be a tough challenge once again. It's important, I repeat, to respect the competition and knowing the fatigue we have in the squad because the festive period was busy, really demanding. Football in the Premier League, I think, is like that.

"You have to play, recover, reset and go again. It's important as well to avoid unnecessary risks. It's a balance and we'll have different conversations with the players to find the best solution. I think players like football, so they want to play.

"After that, we have a strong performance staff, so we have some criteria to say probably for this player we might have reached the limit and it's too dangerous for this one. We are still in a good zone. So, it's about assessment and conversation after that, so we'll see."

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Rangers eye Sunderland duo for January swoop

Two players who could be in line for an opportunity to impress on Saturday are Romaine Mundle and Dan Neil.

As per Sky Sports, Rangers are interested in both players. With opportunities for Neil limited this season and the midfielder now in the last six months of his contract, a departure appears increasingly inevitable. Sunderland at this stage are unlikely to sanction Mundle’s departure unless they make additions of their own, but Le Bris said on Friday that an exit is a possibility.

“The conversation is open for every player who lacks minutes,” Le Bris said.

“That’s always the case. The most important thing is the club project – this is the first idea. Then, after that, it depends on the situation. If we think that over the second half of the season, the player won’t play a lot, then it means you can perhaps find a solution. But you have to find another club with a good project as well. I still say that it is important to stay open, to avoid misunderstandings. If it is clear for everyone, then after that you can move forward.”

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