Sunderland Predicted Lineup vs Nottingham Forest

Seventh-placed Sunderland take on Nottingham Forest and their new boss Ange Postecoglou at the City Ground on Saturday at 5:30 pm GMT.
The Black Cats will be looking to capitalise on Forest’s disappointing start to the season, whereas the home side will be trying to give their new manager his first win since taking over earlier this month.

We take a look at the build-up to the game with Regis Le Bris, injury news, current odds, how to watch where you are, and our Sunderland predicted lineup.

Sunderland Predicted Lineup vs Nottingham on September 27

Last Time Out

A hard-fought point was gained last time at home against Aston Villa. Sunderland went down to 10 men in the first half after left back Reinildo’s red card, and switching to a back three. However, despite being a man down, the Black Cats had the better chances and, with eleven men, would have arguably won the game.

Matty Cash scored Villa’s first goal of the season soon after Sunderland had hit the crossbar, but the home side hit back thanks to Wilson Isidor. It was the least the Black Cats deserved following a battling performance.

The result left Sunderland in seventh place, but many were left wondering what would have happened if they had kept 11 players on the field.

Sunderland Starting Eleven vs Aston Villa: Roefs, Hume, Alderete, Mukiele, Reinildo, Xhaka ©, Sadiki, Rigg, Talbi, Le Fee, Isidor.

Subs: Patterson, Neil, Gerrtruida, Brobbey, Adingra, Mayenda, Traore, Masuaku, Ballard

Injury News

Habib Diarra, Dennis Cirkin, Leo Hjelde, Aji Alese and Romaine Mundle all remain sidelined with injuries, but fan favourite Luke O’Nien is now available for selection. The defender hasn’t played since being injured in the playoff final in May

Regis Le Bris: “Forest Are a Dangerous Opponent”

Speaking in his pre-match press conference, head coach Regis Le Bris said that his side will have to be at their best against a side he has described as a “dangerous opponent”. He said: “What we know about them is they have a strong squad with many threats.”

“They have a strong mindset, which makes them a dangerous opponent. They won’t be giving us any gifts, so we have to play to our best to be able to stop them and provide threats of our own.

“There are many options in their forward line and they will provide many threats against us so we will have to be at our best and manage them. If we become complacent, then we will be punished. It’s a new challenge, it’s something to achieve and we are in this process.”

Regis Le Bris Has Selection and Formation Options

Head Coach Regis Le Bris has a selection and a formation headache this weekend. With first choice left back Reinildo suspended following his red card against Aston Villa, the Black Cats head coach must decide whether to make a straight swap or keep a three-man central defence that played the majority of the game against Villa.

With Dan Ballard returning from injury as a substitute against Villa and playing well in a three-man central defence, Le Bris, should he stick to his favoured formation, could recall Ballard to the starting lineup, moving Nordi Mukiele to right back and Trai Hume to left back.

There is also the option to start with Arthur Masuaku. However, his attacking style of play may make him a better option to feature as an impact sub later in the game.

Should the head coach go with a three-man central defence, then Masuaku would be the better option. This would also allow Enzo Le Fee to play in his favoured number 10 position

With Forest expected to play with one striker, Le Bris could favour his usual formation to start the game. He will, however, be filled with confidence that should he need to switch, his side can do so effortlessly.

Our Sunderland Predicted Lineup

GK Roefs
RB Mukiele
CB Ballard
CB Alderete
LB Hume
CM Xhaka ©
CM Sadiki
CM Rigg
RW Talbi
LW Le Fee
ST Isidor

Subs: Patterson, Gerrtruida, Adingra, Mayenda, Brobbey, Traore, Masuaku, Neil, O’Nien

Current odds

Sunderland 15/4
Nottingham Forest 8/11
Draw 13/5

Odds are from Sky Bet and are correct as of Friday, September 26.

How to Watch

No matter where you are in the world on Saturday at 5:30 pm GMT, you can watch Sunderland at Nottingham Forest live.

Here is a full list of broadcasters showing the game.