Régis Le Bris dropped a big team selection hint in his pre-match press conference on Thursday, confirming that he has no intention of making wholesale changes to his starting XI in the FA Cup third round on Saturday.
However, he did confirm his intention to make ‘a couple’ of changes, while the bench could also be bolstered by some players returning from injury. So this is what we thinking his starting XI and bench might look like when Stoke City arrive at the Stadium of Light...
5. LB - Dennis Cirkin
Cirkin looked lively after replacing an ill Aji Alese at the break last week and this looks a good time for him to come back into the starting XI. Alese will likely get some minutes off the bench, or vice versa. | Getty Images
6. CM - Dan Neil
Le Bris isn't overly concerned about fatigue and wants to build momentum which indicates that he's unlikely to take his captain and arguably most in-form player out of the side. Though as we'll come to later, he might get a valuable rest in the latter stages of the game. | Frank Reid
7. CM - Milan Aleksic
While Chris Rigg is available for this game, it seems a good chance to give Milan Aleksic a valuable outing in his favoured position. Would have added bonus of easing Rigg back in from his injury. | Frank Reid
8. CM - Jobe Bellingham
Bellingham is one of those who might arguably benefit from a rest but if Le Bris wants to keep the core of his preferred side in place, it's hard to see him leaving out such a key player who has proved so robust in his time at the club so far. | Getty Images