Chris Rigg started his first league start of the season at the Stadium of Light on Sunday as the Black Cats raced into a 3-0 lead at half-time after goals from Dennis Cirkin, Eliezer Mayenda and Luke O’Nien. Mayenda then netted his second and Sunderland’s fourth seconds into the second half.
Regis Le Bris made one change to his Sunderland team to face Sheffield Wednesday, with Rigg replacing Alan Browne. The Irishman misses out due to a muscle injury but it’s understood that the problem is not serious and is unlikely to keep him sidelined for a significant period. At this stage, he’s expected to be fit to face Burnley at the Stadium of Light next weekend.
The win against Sheffield Wednesday marked Sunderland’s second of the Championship season in as many games after Le Bris side bettered Cardiff City 2-0 on the opening day of the season. Despite their winning start, however, the Black Cats are still hoping to conclude some transfer business this window.
Here, we take a look at how Le Bris’ dream starting XI and squad could look if Jack Clarke decides to stay and Sunderland secure their preferred striker options this summer:
21. SUB: Milan Aleksić
Sunderland are hoping to conclude a deal to sign Milan Aleksić ahead of Friday’s transfer deadline, The Echo has learned | Netflix UK Photo: Netflix
22. SUB: Ian Poveda
Sunderland have now signed former Leeds United and Sheffield Wednesday man Ian Poveda ahead of the 2024-25 Championship season. Photo: David Rogers
23. SUB: Romaine Mundle
Sunderland signed Mundle for a seven-figure fee from Belgian side Standard Liege in January. The 20-year-old winger signed a four-and-a-half-year deal at the Stadium of Light and made 10 Championship appearances since the move. Photo: Frank Reid
24. SUB: Tommy Watson
The 17-year-old winger is knocking on the door for first-team involvement and could be set for a big 2024-25 campaign. Especially if Jack Clarke leaves the club during the window. Photo: Ben Cuthbertson