Sunderland team news, preview & lineup

Sunderland will play their last game of the pre-season on Saturday when they host Rennes at the Stadium of Light.

Regis Le Bris’ Sunderland head into their final pre-season game on the back of a 2-0 win over Lens in France. The result against the French outfit made it two victories in a row for the Black Cats as they prepare for the return of Premier League football.

Rennes arrive on Wearside after losing 4-2 to Brentford in their previous friendly.

The fixture gives Le Bris one final opportunity to tweak his squad and tactics before Sunderland begin their Premier League campaign against Ipswich.

Rennes head to Sunderland after a heavy defeat against Brentford in their latest pre-season outing. Franck Haise’s team finished sixth in Ligue 1 last season, giving them plenty of reason for optimism despite the setback against Brentford.

Sunderland and Rennes both enter the pre-season game following strong domestic campaigns. The Black Cats finished seventh in their first Premier League season back in the top flight and will now feature in the Europa League for the next season.

Sunderland team news

Sunderland are expected to be without Nordi Mukiele and Omar Alderete for the Rennes game. Both defenders have minor knocks, although they could be available for the Premier League opener against Ipswich.

Thomas Meunier is expected to keep his place at right-back after making a positive impression in the victory over Lens. The experienced Belgium international remains Sunderland’s only permanent signing of the summer so far.

Romaine Mundle also missed the trip to France after picking up a knock, while Simon Adingra is unavailable after suffering an injury against Wrexham.

Trai Hume could therefore continue on the right side, with Le Bris looking to give his players another important run-out before competitive football begins.

Granit Xhaka, Noah Sadiki and Enzo Le Fee are expected to feature in midfield, while Brian Brobbey could lead the line.

Sunderland have also won their last two pre-season matches, but they haven’t enjoyed a victory at the Stadium of Light during their previous three pre-season outings. Le Bris will be hoping to change that before the Premier League action gets underway.

The Sunderland boss also has a perfect competitive record against Rennes from his time managing Lorient, having won all four of his Ligue 1 meetings with the club.

Predicted Sunderland XI

Roefs; Meunier, Ballard, O’Nien, Reinildo; Xhaka, Sadiki; Hume, Le Fee, Talbi; Brobbey.