With Reinildo’s soft but stupid red card earning him a three-game ban, and Habib Diarra’s absence continuing until at least December, Regis Le Bris is faced with a couple of selection decisions today. Dan Ballard did brilliantly coming back into the defence after the sending off on Sunday, and has put himself firmly in contention for a place in the team, while Chris Rigg will surely be a strong contender to replace Diarra again today, after his Premier League starting debut was curtailed after Reinildo’s daft
indiscretion. Here’s how I think we’ll line up today.
Goalkeeper: Robin Roefs
The keeper will have been disappointed to let Aston Villa score last week, however, there were a number of mitigating factors, including the velocity of the strike, the swerve and the glare of the sun. That said, he’ll be looking for a strong display today to get firmly back on track after what’s been an exceptional start to his Sunderland career.
Defence: Nordi Mukiele, Dan Ballard, Omar Alderete, Arthur Masuaku
Reinildo’s suspension opens the door for a couple of players, and creates a selection dilemma for Le Bris. First of all, I don’t see us going to a back five – there’s been a lot of talk of that this week, however, Le Bris hasn’t done this from the off at all with Sunderland, and with so much work being done on the ‘triangles’ the 4-2-3-1 system enables I can’t see him changing it all now. Dan Ballard did exceptionally well off the bench last week, and I think Le Bris will want him back in the team as he offers something in both boxes that no other player does. Alderete brings balance in the centre of defence, so I think he’ll keep his place, which leaves Mukiele. He’s been exceptional, but is more of a right back by reputation than a centre back – so I think he’ll go out to the right. That leaves the left back position being a shoot out between Hume and Masuaku – and I think the latter will get the nod, as being left footed he provides balance and an attacking output down the left flank too, which Le Bris has said is a tactical approach this season. Harsh on Hume? Absolutely – however it’s testement to the strength of squad we currently have.
Midfield: Granit Xhaka, Noah Sadiki, Chris Rigg
Chris Rigg was a surprise selection last time out, and started really well – only to be sacrificed after the red. Given that, I think he’ll be a certainty to start today with Diarra ruled out long-term. Xhaka and Sadiki will also play – both were excellent last weekend. The other consideration here is Le Fee, and I do think we’ll see him take over Diarra’s role in the next few weeks, but I believe we’ll want to give Rigg a chance to show what he can do today.
Attack: Chemsdine Talbi, Wilson Isidor, Enzo Le Fee
Talbi had his best game for us last weekend, and looked far more dangerous from the left than he has done on the right. However, I think he’ll start back on the right today, with Le Fee keeping his place on the left. Wilson Isidor was excellent last week – his work rate combined with his link-up play and (an unusually effective) aerial threat really showed a player determined to keep his place, and he was rewarded with another goal. I wouldn’t be surprised to see him on the scoresheet again today.
