With changes coming after the Blackpool draw, here's how Sunderland could line up in their pre-season friendly against Marseille on Tuesday night.
Goalkeeper: Simon Moore
After impressing during pre-season, Anthony Patterson is expected to start against Marseille, but his backup, Simon Moore, should get some valuable minutes in this match.
Defence: Timothee Pembele, Zak Johnson, Leo Hjelde, Joe Anderson
Sunderland's defence has been a bit unsettled after the departure of Danny Batth and Aji Alese's unfortunate injury record. However, the recent performance of Zak Johnson, who impressed during his time in Ireland, has given manager Regis Le Bris a new option at centre-back.
Johnson could be paired with Hjelde, who will also look to make an impression after recovering from injury. The full-back positions are likely to be filled by Pembele and Anderson, providing attacking width and defensive solidity.
Midfield: Chris Rigg, Pierre Ekwah
Chris Rigg has shown great potential, but despite his impressive performances, it remains to be seen whether he will break into the first team. Expect him to feature tonight, potentially alongside Ekwah, assuming he's fit. However, the experience of Elliot Embleton could also see him feature in this midfield partnership.
Attack: Abdoullah Ba, Adil Aouchiche, Romain Mundle
Ba, who was on the bench against Blackpool, should get a runout, with the experienced Jack Poveda likely to feature in the second half. Aouchiche, who has impressed with his playmaking ability, will be given another chance to prove himself.
Mundle, who has consistently shown promise during pre-season, is expected to start on the left wing.
Forward: Naz Rusyn
After scoring a brilliant goal against Blackpool, Jobe Hemir was surprisingly dropped to the reserves. This opens the door for Rusyn to lead the line tonight. However, Sunderland's need for a reliable goalscorer remains a major concern, and finding a suitable solution before the start of the season is a priority.
Past News and Links:
Sunderland's transfer window so far: A summary of Sunderland's transfer activity can be found [here](https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/66299857).
Le Bris's plans for the season: The manager's ambitions for the new campaign are outlined [here](https://www.sunderlandafc.com/news/2024/07/regis-le-bris-talks-season-ambitions/).
Blackpool vs. Sunderland match report: Find out more about the pre-season friendly against Blackpool [here](https://www.sunderlandafc.com/news/2024/07/match-report-blackpool-vs-sunderland/).
This game against Marseille provides another opportunity for Sunderland's squad to build fitness, test tactics, and prepare for the upcoming season. With a blend of experienced players and exciting young talent, fans will be looking for signs of promise and progress as the team continues their pre-season preparations.