Sunderland Predicted XI Starting XI For Bournemouth Premier League Clash

Sunderland face Bournemouth away in the Premier League on Sunday afternoon, buoyed by their Europa League comeback win over Portuguese second tier side SCU Torreense in midweek.

Sunderland beat Torreense 2-1 after going a goal behind to a stunning long-range strike from central defender Volnei, before an equalising header from the impressive Jules Ahoka and an emphatic injury-time strike from Noah Sadiki saw the two DR Congo stars open their accounts for the Black Cats to secure the comeback victory.

As a result, Regis Le Bris' side head into the clash at the Vitality Stadium with a renewed sense of confidence, having lost their last three Premier League games in a row, compounded by their subpar performance in Sunderland's 2-0 defeat to Brighton & Hove Albion last time out in the league.

Given the latest Sunderland injury updates, which see Thomas Meunier ruled out and Wilson Isidor doubtful, and the performances in Portugal, both positive and negative within the Black Cats squad, it will be interesting to see how Le Bris lines Sunderland up on the south coast as Premier League action resumes for both sides.

Le Bris made several changes to his Sunderland starting XI from the Brighton defeat for the Torreense win, with the likes of Luke O'Nien, Omar Alderete, Dayann Methalie, Ahoka, Chris Rigg, and Timur Tutierov featuring.

Of all of those players, it could be just Alderete who retains his place in central defense, following his impressive performance at centre-back upon his return to full fitness.

Nordi Mukiele came on as a second-half substitute at right-back and was typically outstanding in this role, with some excellent work to provide the assist for Ahoka's equaliser, and his impetus down the right flank would be welcome once again.

Danso will most likely replace O'Nien, and seasoned defender Reinidlo is set to return to the starting XI after a stellar cameo against Torreense.

Into midfield, Xhaka, Le Fee, and Thursday's game-winning goalscorer Sadiki are three of the first names on Le Bris' teamsheet as the engine room trio.

But, on the flanks and up-front, the Sunderland boss has big calls to make.

Both Angulo and Fofana were anonymous on either wing against Torreense, which calls into question the lack of output from wide areas under Le Bris' stewardship.

With Meunier ruled out after sustaining an injury against Brighton, Le Bris will more than likely utilise trademark right-back Trai Hume in a more advanced right-midfield role, and on the left side, it seems as though Le Bris has more faithful in Angulo than Fofana currently.

In the number nine role, young talent Tutierov will likely drop to the bench despite his commendable first senior Sunderland start in Portugal, and with Isidor a major doubt given his absence against Torreense, fit-again striker Brian Brobbey could return to the Sunderland starting XI after nearly four weeks on the sidelines.

Roefs, Mukiele, Danso, Alderete, Reinildo, Xhaka, Le Fee, Sadiki, Hume, Angulo, Brobbey

Don't forget to sign up for FREE. It takes 30 seconds and means you can comment, like, and receive notifications when we post an article! Click JOIN at the top.