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...
9. CM - Enzo Le Fee
Picked up where he left off last season at York by starring in a central role. Has become one of the key figures in the team. | Getty Images
10. LW - Romaine Mundle
Made his return from another significant hamstring injury against Liverpool and will look to build on those 45 minutes here. | Chris Fryatt
11. ST - Wilson Isidor
Isidor got his first minutes of pre season against Liverpool and will lead the line again here.
12. Sub - Robin Roefs
Roefs is back with the group following his World Cup commitments and is likely to get some second half minutes. | Getty Images