‘They’d be my first pick’ – Sunderland compared to Southampton as Le Tissier predicts relegation
Sunderland will face a tall order in surviving relegation from the Premier League next season after achieving promotion via the playoffs.
That is the view of former Southampton and England striker Matt Le Tissier, who told Football Insider exclusively that the Saints’ struggles last season may serve as a useful barometer with which to judge Regis Le Bris’ side.
Sunderland stunned Sheffield United in the Championship playoff final last term, having finished 14 points behind the Blades in the league.
However, Southampton themselves came up via the playoffs the year prior, and broke the record for the earliest a team has been relegated from the Premier League last season, with their demotion confirmed with seven games remaining.
Sunderland have spent heavily in a bid to retain their top-flight status, signing Habib Diarra from Strasbourg for a club-record fee, and bringing in Granit Xhaka to add experience to Le Bris’ team.
Sunderland tipped for instant relegation
This article contains exclusive comment from former Southampton and England striker Matt Le Tissier.
Despite spending over £132million [transfermarkt] on transfers this summer, it is difficult to ignore both the departure of Jobe Bellingham and the fate of their predecessors.
Borussia Dortmund’s midfielder was an integral part of Le Bris’ side last year and will be hard to replace.
Speaking to Football Insider exclusively, former Southampton striker Le Tissier picked Sunderland as his first choice to go down, citing his former side’s struggles from last season.
He said: “Looking at the strength of the squads and the teams that did come up, obviously Sunderland came up by the playoffs, that’s always a really tricky one.
“Southampton did that route last season, we all saw what happened to them last year.
“I would say Sunderland are probably the favourites to go down, they’d be my first pick.
Sunderland set to make Calvert-Lewin decision
One area that needs addressing to give the Black Cats any chance of survival is the lack of Premier League experience in their side.
And Sunderland may look to do that by signing Dominic Calvert-Lewin, the club’s former chief scout Mick Brown told Football Insider exclusively.
Whilst his recent seasons have been hampered by injury issues, the England international has spent the vast majority of his career playing in the top flight.
Calvert-Lewin would also be a cost-effective option, given the lack of a transfer fee following the expiration of his Everton contract.