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The ten players now set to Sunderland's Premier League opener - and the spot still up for grabs Sunderland’s Premier League opener against Ipswich Town is drawing nearer The new Premier League season draws ever closer, with the visit of Stade Rennais last weekend Sunderland's final friendly before they face Ipswich Town on opening day. Régis Le Bris's plans for that trip to Portman Road are now well advanced, with the bulk of the starting XI now seemingly in place. Here, we break down the latest... Defence Though there had been some concern that Robin Roefs would attract transfer interest this summer, at this stage it has not materialised and he is firmly established as the club's number one heading into the new campaign. Though Le Bris did not rule out Nordi Mukiele and Omar Alderete of the opening-day clash at Ipswich Town, he did hint that they might not be ready to start. As such, Luke O'Nien seems certain to play given his strong pre-season so far and how he finished last time out, while a solid debut at RC Lens leaves Thomas Meunier in pole position to deputise for Mukiele. We know that Sunderland are working hard to sign a new left back ahead of the new campaign, and that a left-sided centre back is also on the agenda, but at this stage you would strongly expect that Le Bris would integrate a new arrival slowly and trust those he has been working with through pre-season and much of the last campaign. Predicted defence: Roefs; Meunier, Ballard, O'Nien, Reinildo Midfield Le Bris dropped a big hint into his thinking after the win over RC Lens, stressing that opportunities would come for Habib Diarra but admitting he would have to be patient. Though exceptionally harsh on Chris Rigg, who had an excellent pre-season campaign and taken a big step forward, the trio of Xhaka-Sadiki-Le Fée ended the last season superbly and Le Bris believes they have earned the chance to continue. Moving Le Fée into the middle was a game changer, significantly improving the team's threat from open play. Rigg's excellent performance in recent weeks almost guarantees him significant minutes from the bench to begin with and starts down the line. Predicted midfield trio: Xhaka, Sadiki, Le Fée Wingers Sunderland are determined to sign a right winger this summer but like at left back, even a new arrival now would likely be integrated from the bench. Even if one had arrived earlier, there's every chance Hume would have continued on the right as Le Bris loves the way he has freed up the right back behind him to drive forward and to add the extra security that allows Le Fée to enjoy that free role. It's a tactical choice that has divided opinion at times but right now, his place is deserved. The other flank is perhaps the one position that still seems firmly up for grabs ahead of opening day. Nilson Angulo has started the last two games, but Chemsdine Talbi has the greater Premier League experience at this stage and that might just work in his favour. Predicted wingers: Hume, Talbi The Echo has launched a new WhatsApp SAFC Channel to bring the latest news, analysis and team & injury updates direct to your phone. Simply click this link to join our SAFC WhatsApp channel. Striker Brian Brobbey's brilliant 2026 so far means he is one of the first names of the team sheet. Though there has been ongoing speculation over Wilson Isidor's future this summer, Le Bris moved decisively last week to confirm that he'd stay as the club's other main striker this season. He'll get minutes as an impact sub at Ipswich Town. Predicted striker: Brobbey Predicted XI to face Ipswich Town as things stand: Roefs; Meunier, Ballard, O'Nien, Reinildo; Xhaka, Sadiki, Le Fée; Hume, Talbi, Brobbey Predicted bench as things stand: Ellborg, Mukiele, Alderete, Diarra, Rigg, Angulo, Isidor, Tutierov, Ta Bi Your next Sunderland read: Thomas Meunier sends clear Sunderland selection message that fans will love ahead of new campaign