Nordi Mukiele and Arthur Masuaku start: Sunderland predicted XI vs Huddersfield
Sunderland host League One side Huddersfield Town in the second round of the Carabao Cup, as they look to bounce back from their 2-0 loss to Burnley on the weekend.
Regis Le Bris’ side were brought back down to earth after their tremendous 3-0 victory over West Ham United on the opening day of the season, with the away loss at Burnley.
The Black Cats now welcome Huddersfield to the Stadium of Light and the Terriers aren’t to be taken lightly by the Premier League’s new boys.
The Yorkshire outfit sit second in League One, with 12 points, having won four of their first five games this season.
Sunderland predicted XI vs Huddersfield
Speaking to media ahead of the game on Monday (25 August), assistant head coach Luciano Vulcano said: “We respect every match we will face.”
Those words suggest a strong side from Le Bris, who may look to get some minutes into the legs of some fringe players in his new squad.
In defence, Dan Ballard will likely sit out as the centre-back is expecting to have a scan to reveal the extent of his groin injury that was sustained just nine minutes into the match against Burnley.
New signings Nordi Mukiele and Arthur Masuaku may be in line for starts as they need minutes to acclimatise in Le Bris’ system.
In midfield, Enzo Le Fee and Dan Neil are both yet to start a game so far this season and may be in line for a start as could Patrick Roberts, as Sunderland will surely look to opt for attacking options.
The forward line may also see a reshuffle with Marc Guiu and Wilson Isidor both yet to appear from the off this season, as Le Bris may want to assess his attacking options moving forward.
Sunderland dealt early survival blow, but reality check may be important
Football Insider verdict
Having hammered West Ham on the opening weekend of the season, the mood on Wearside was buoyant, and deservedly so.
However, Saturday’s defeat at the hands of fellow promoted side Burnley dealt Sunderland their first defeat of the season.
It will no doubt be a result that stings those close to the club but it may be an important early season reality check for the club, who are adjusting to life back in the Premier League.
| Club | Played | Wins | Draws | Losses | GD | Points |
| Leeds | 46 | 29 | 13 | 4 | +65 | 100 |
| Burnley | 46 | 28 | 16 | 2 | +53 | 100 |
| Sheffield United | 46 | 28 | 8 | 10 | +27 | 90* |
| Sunderland | 46 | 21 | 13 | 12 | +14 | 76 |
| Coventry City | 46 | 20 | 9 | 17 | +6 | 69 |
| Bristol City | 46 | 17 | 17 | 12 | +4 | 68 |
Burnley, who have been tipped for relegation by many, finished 24 points ahead of Sunderland in the Championship last season, and despite hefty summer investment that gap, as well as the ever-growing gap between the Premier League and the Championship is a big one to bridge.
Next week’s fixture will be a good measuring stick for Le Bris’ side, as they welcome a Brentford side who have also been tipped to struggle this season, and in front of their home crowd Sunderland could lay down a huge early season marker.