Starting XI: How Many Changes, Regis? We’re Going For Just The One

Starting XI: How Many Changes, Regis? We’re Going For Just The One

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Starting XI: How Many Changes, Regis? We’re Going For Just The One
Starting XI: How Many Changes, Regis? We’re Going For Just The One
Sunderland’s French head coach Regis Le Bris arrives at at The Stadium of Light in Sunderland in north east England on May 9, 2026, ahead of the English Premier League football match between Sunderland and Manchester United. (Photo by ANDY BUCHANAN / AFP via Getty Images) / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or ‘live’ services. Online in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No video emulation. Social media in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No use in betting publications, games or single club/league/player publications. / | AFP via Getty Images

Well, here we are. I’m sure as the season kicked off we all thought the best case scenario was we’d be going into this game needing something from it – but of course things have worked out a lot better than that, and it’s nice to be going into the season’s final kickings being a keen observer of the issues at either end of the table. That said, there’s still a lot to play for – for some players it’s a chance to prove to Le Bris and Ghisolfi they’re the solution for next season – so it should be a good game at the ridiculously named Hill Dickinson Stadium. And, there’s the opportunity to ruin David Moyes’ day, which should never be passed up. So, after last week’s excellent display against Manchester United, will we see an unchanged team, or will Regis make a change or two? Here’s what we think.

Goalkeeper: Robin Roefs

Roefs will be in goal today – returning to the scene of his penalty heroics earlier in the season!

Defence: Lutsharel Geertruida, Nordi Mukiele, Omar Alderete, Reinildo

Geertruida’s selection last week was a real surprise, and it’s a pretty bizarre situation all told, but he was brilliant and deserves to keep his place in the side today. The rest of the defence really picks itself in the absence of Ballard, with Mukiele and Alderete continuing their partnership, and everyone’s favourite player from Mozambique at left back.

Midfield: Nilson Angulo, Granit Xhaka, Enzo Le Fee, Noah Sadiki, Chemsdine Talbi

Trai Hume had a mixed game last time out and it wasn’t really his fault – he was shown lacking in the attacking third, but that’s not his game, and we really need to get more threat out wide. That responsibility could fall to Nilson Angulo, who was at the center of controversy last weekend for an ill-advised but pretty soft arm across Bruno Fernandes’ face, which the Portuguese international used to desperately try and get his opponent sent off. The midfield three picks itself, which is bad news for Habib Diarra, and Talbi should get another chance on the left. A wildcard could be Jimmy Ta Bi, who Le Bris obviously likes and has been on the bench – in which case Ta Bi would play right and Angulo left.

Forward: Brian Brobbey

Brobbey had another excellent game last weekend, and was just lacking a goal. Hopefully he’ll rectify that for today.

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