Sunderland’s 2026/27 campaign officially begins on Saturday afternoon as the Black Cats face York City in their opening pre-season friendly at the LNER Community Stadium.
It’s a busy day for the Black Cats, with an academy side also facing South Shields earlier in the day. Many of the club’s best young players will be with Régis Le Bris’s group, having stepped up in training over the last fortnight the absence of the twelve players who represented their nation at the FIFA World Cup.
It has already been confirmed that Thomas Meunier will not be making his debut having become the club’s first summer signing earlier this week, with the full back taking a break following his World Cup commitments. So who can supporters expect to see in action on Saturday afternoon? While it’s not clear exactly how Le Bris will manage his group over the 90 minutes we have a good idea who is likely to be involved, so here’s our predicted squad...
1. GK - Melker Ellborg
Roefs is back with the squad following his World Cup commitments but is likely to be phased back in gently so this could be another good chance for Ellborg to impress | Getty Images
2. RB - Nordi Mukiele
Mukiele returned to the right back role where he has been so key to Sunderland's success against Liverpool and it would be a major surprise if he did not line up there on opening day and beyond. | Getty Images
3. CB - Dan Ballard
Ballard made an excellent return from ankle surgery against Liverpool, and will look to build on that strong start to his pre season here.
4. CB - Luke O'Nien
With Omar Alderete returning to Wearside next month after the World Cup, O'Nien has a great chance to stake a claim for regular minutes this season on the current tour. Made a very solid start to date. | Chris Fryatt