Regis Le Bris faces a difficult decision regarding the inclusion of Wilson Isidor for Sunderland‘s New Year’s Day clash with Manchester City.
Of Isidor’s four Premier League goals this season, three have been scored at the Stadium of Light, and the Frenchman will be desperate to maintain that clinical home form against the reigning champions.
However, the forward is expected to just miss out on a place in the starting XI, likely serving as a potent weapon off the bench while Brian Brobbey leads the line from the first whistle.
Le Bris is already grappling with a severe shortage of senior options due to a relentless combination of injuries and international commitments.
Defensive duo Ajibola Alese and Daniel Ballard remain stuck in the infirmary with shoulder and ankle problems, respectively, while the squad has been further depleted by a staggering six departures for the Africa Cup of Nations.
Habib Diarra, Bertrand Traore, Chemsdine Talbi, Noah Sadiki, Arthur Masuaku and Reinildo Mandava are all currently away on international duty, leaving the Wearside outfit significantly stretched for the visit of the Citizens.
In the absence of so many regular starters, the creative burden will fall heavily on captain Granit Xhaka, who has been a revelation since his summer arrival.
Only Bruno Fernandes and Rayan Cherki have registered more than Xhaka’s five assists in the top flight this term, highlighting the Swiss veteran’s immense importance from both set pieces and open play.
Xhaka is poised to partner Lutsharel Geertruida in the engine room, while Chris Rigg, Enzo Le Fee and Simon Adingra form a supporting trio behind Brobbey.
At the back, goalkeeper Roefs should be protected by a defensive line consisting of Trai Hume, Nordi Mukiele, Omar Alderete and Dennis Cirkin.
Sunderland possible starting lineup:
Roefs; Hume, Mukiele, Alderete, Cirkin; Xhaka, Geertruida; Rigg, Le Fee, Adingra; Brobbey
> Click here to see how Manchester City could line up for this game
