Régis Le Bris
Sunderland is gearing up for their latest Premier League encounter against Nottingham Forest, with Arthur Masuaku making his first league start for the club. This change comes as Régis Le Bris opts not to reintroduce Dan Ballard, instead making a direct swap at left-back due to Reinildo’s three-match suspension. The rest of the lineup remains unchanged from the recent 1-1 draw against Aston Villa, with Chris Rigg retaining his place in the starting XI.
Régis Le Bris said: “His response has been really positive. He was frustrated and disappointed, which is normal. One of his main qualities is he is a squad player. So he can manage his frustration for the squad, for the collective purpose. And he’s really young, his reaction was really balanced. So for me it’s really normal to accept his frustration, but at the same time, he can keep the right level and stay connected with the output of the squad. I wasn’t surprised by his level and the way he connected with the game plan, with his teammates on the right side. How he pressed with Wilson because they used to do that last season. So it wasn’t a new setup. Now we’ll see because I repeat every game is a new experience, a new problem, a new scenario, a new opportunities, new problems to solve. He’s well-rounded, so I’m not worried by having him in the squad.”
Régis Le Bris has expressed confidence in Chris Rigg, highlighting his adaptability and connection with the team’s game plan. This continuity is part of Le Bris’s strategy to maintain consistency and structure within the team, which he believes is crucial for growth and learning. Despite the temptation to switch to a back three, Le Bris has chosen to stick with the current formation, emphasizing the importance of a stable structure to facilitate improvement through various experiences.
In a boost for Sunderland, Luke O’Nien is fit to return to the squad after recovering from a dislocated shoulder suffered in the play-off final against Sheffield United. This addition to the bench provides Le Bris with more options as the team looks to secure a positive result against Nottingham Forest.
Sunderland’s starting XI for the match includes Roefs; Hume, Mukiele, Alderete, Masuaku; Xhaka, Sadiki, Rigg; Le Fee, Talbi, and Isidor. The bench features Moore, Geertruida, O’Nien, Ballard, Neil, Mayenda, Brobbey, Traore, and Adingra. Meanwhile, Nottingham Forest has a surprise inclusion with Nicolas Dominguez making his first start of the season.
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