Regis Le Bris could surprise Sunderland fans by starting player vs Stoke City, he’s only notched 44 minutes

One Sunderland star that has hardly spent any time in the side could be handed his first start vs Stoke CIty.

The Black Cats are gearing up for action as they look to get back to winning ways against an out-of-form Stoke City side.

Sunderland’s managerless opposition parted ways with former boss Narcis Pelach just days prior to the clash, and they will have former defender Ryan Shawcross at the helm.

Whilst Regis Le Bris’ side will undoubtedly fancy themselves ahead of the game, especially with Stoke’s recent form of not managing to notch a single win in their last nine outings, the Black Cats will have to face the action without several key players.

Left-wingers Romaine Mundle and Tommy Watson are set to continue their spell on the sidelines, and as a result, there could be a surprise inclusion into the side, who Le Bris could start for the first time this season.

Sunderland boss Regis Le Bris could look to start Ian Poveda vs Stoke City

Sunderland signed Ian Poveda following his departure from Leeds United, where Le Bris’ side were able to fend off interest from fellow Championship side Sheffield Wednesday.

Unfortunately, Poveda is yet to have his opportunity to shine on Wearside, having notched just 44 minutes of action so far, with that ultimately coming down to his more-than-colour injury record.

Now that the Colombian international has finally returned from injury, Sunderland boss Le Bris could very well see the Stoke City encounter as the perfect opportunity to hand Poveda some necessary game time, especially with the current injury woes of Mundle and Watson.

Eliezer Mayenda squandered chance could impact Regis Le Bris team selection

The main reason for a potential Poveda pick would certainly come down to the lack of depth on the left flank, however, it could also come down to the recent form of the current holder of the position.