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Régis Le Bris's Sunderland starting XI and subs to face Stade Rennais predicted

· Phil Smith · 2026-08-14T11:59:25+00:00 · nguồn gốc

Sunderland’s squad have their last chance to impress head coach Régis Le Bris on Saturday as the Black Cats host Stade Rennais at the Stadium of Light. Le Bris is expected to name a strong squad ahead of the trip to Ipswich Town next week - here’s what we think that will look like and who is set to have a big role to play from the bench.. 1. GK - Robin Roefs Roefs has had two very solid games since his return from World Cup duty and looks ready for another big campaign ahead. | Getty Images 2. RB - Thomas Meunier With Nordi Mukiele expected to miss out with an ongoing knock, this is another big opportunity for Meunier to cement his place in the XI for opening day. Was superb in his first 45 at Lens last weekend and will be looking to build on that here. | AFP via Getty Images 3. CB - Dan Ballard Looked in a little bit of discomfort as he came off at Lens last week, though he was never likely to play 90 minutes as Sunderland gradually build his match fitness after undergoing ankle surgery earlier this summer. Should hopefully feature here and be ready next weekend. | AFP via Getty Images 4. CB - Luke O'Nien With Alderete still building his fitness after a knee issue, O'Nien looks set to begin the campaign in the heart of defence if so. This game is a chance for him to round off a very positive pre season and make that spot his own. | AFP via Getty Images