Sunderland team news explained as Régis Le Bris reshuffles XI for Wolves clash

Régis Le Bris has reshuffled his Sunderland side as they bid to bounce back from their heavy defeat to Nottingham Forest at Wolves on Saturday afternoon.

Le Bris has opted to bring Enzo Le Fée back infield as a result of his superb recent form, paving the way for Chemsdine Talbi to return to the starting XI on the left for the first time since his goal in the Tyne-Wear derby win back in March. That move sees Habib Diarra drop to the bench, one of two changes made by Le Bris.

Reinildo returns to the starting XI as expected, but at the expense of Chris Rigg rather than Trai Hume. Hume is expected to move over to the right flank and reprise his hybrid role in front of Nordi Mukiele from earlier this season.

Jocelin Ta Bi makes his return to the bench from an ankle injury, boosting Le Bris’s options out wide. Bertrand Traore and Nilson Angulo have not made the squad but could be involved next week.

Le Bris hinted at his decision to move Le Fée back infield during his pre-match press conference on Thursday, explaining his view that additional competition in central areas will be good for the squad.

"We had a conversation with Habib recently about this topic," Le Bris said.

"And Enzo as well because Enzo played as a left winger but his best position is as midfielder, as a ten or an eight depending on the pair. So if our wingers are back, it gives us more options and probably more competition for the wingers. It wasn't the case for a long period. And more competition as well for the midfielders and different options for us

"And it's still helpful because we are human. When you are comfortable in your position without competition, it's not easy to maintain the same level, to push hard because we need this extra drive to get better. And as a manager, when we have different options, let's say we start with Enzo as a 10 and then a bit later with, for example, Rigg or Habib in this position for the opponent, it would be totally different and it's positive for the outcome of the squad."

Sunderland XI: Roefs; Mukiele, Ballard, Alderete, Reinildo; Xhaka, Sadiki, Le Fée; Hume, Talbi, Brobbey

Subs: Ellborg, Geertruida, O’Nien, Cirkin, Rigg, Diarra, Mayenda, Isidor, Ta Bi

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Wolves hit with double injury blow ahead of Sunderland clash

Wolves, meanwhile, have been hit with a double blow for the game.

Goalkeeper Jose Sa has been ruled out with injury which means that with Sam Johnstone also out, third choice goalkeeper Daniel Bentley starts. Defender Ladislav Krejci also misses out with a neck injury.

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