Sunderland travel to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium this afternoon while aiming to maintain their incredible push for a Champions League spot.
Régis Le Bris has led the Black Cats to seventh place, but they must now navigate the most severe player drain in the division due to the Africa Cup of Nations. Despite missing six senior players, Sunderland arrive with momentum after a hard-earned draw against Manchester City.
Sunderland team news
Régis Le Bris is managing a decimated squad. Key players Reinildo Mandava, Chemsdine Talbi, Arthur Masuaku, Noah Sadiki, Bertrand Traoré, and Habib Diarra are all away on international duty. Additionally, the defence remains weakened as Dan Ballard is a serious doubt with an ankle injury. In attack, Brian Brobbey faces a late fitness test after suffering muscular tightness in midweek. If he is unfit, Wilson Isidor is expected to lead the line.
Consequently, captain Granit Xhaka will play a pivotal role as he returns to North London. He will likely be partnered by Lutsharel Geertruida in a midfield tasked with containing Spurs’ creative threats. Trai Hume and Dennis Cirkin will provide the width from full-back, while Eliezer Mayenda and Simon Adingra are poised to support the lone striker. While Sunderland have struggled for goals on the road this season, their defensive organisation remains their greatest asset.
