After a busy festive period, Sunderland are set to take a break by focusing on the FA Cup and hosting Stoke City at the Stadium of Light this weekend. With many players having to battle for almost every minute of matches during the holiday period, and with injuries continuing to pose problems for the squad, coach Régis Le Bris plans to significantly change his starting team.
Among those who could seize their chance to shine this weekend are Dan Moore. The goalkeeper performed well in the absence of Anthony Patterson earlier this season and will welcome the opportunity to return to match form against Stoke City. Moore has been a valuable asset both on the field and in the locker room, and he truly deserves this chance to get more minutes.
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Jayden Johnson has had to wait for his opportunity so far this season. Sunderland were not keen on letting him leave on loan late in the summer window, ensuring they had adequate defensive options. Expect to see him play in some capacity this weekend, perhaps even slightly shifted from his usual right-back position, reminiscent of his role at Preston in the Carabao Cup match earlier this season . Playing regularly as a senior is essential for him, and a loan move could be on the horizon.
Leo Hjelde is highly regarded by Le Bris, as evidenced by the frequency with which he turns to Hjelde to finish matches while maintaining advantages. He was even presented with the captain’s armband during the Carabao Cup match against Preston, highlighting his importance in the dressing room. With strong competition in defence, Hjelde could benefit from a loan move later in the window, but first he will look to make an impression in this match.
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-Jake Andersonhaving seen little action in recent months, will be eager to play some minutes this weekend, potentially filling the left-back position if Le Bris chooses to rest Aji Alese and Dennis Cirkin. A loan move could be beneficial for Anderson to revive his career after mostly playing for the U21s.
Vanja Aleksic had a great festive outing, standing out in his first full match against Stoke City despite the team’s overall struggles. He demonstrated his skills in a brief appearance on the left flank against Portsmouth, displaying his speed, power and finesse with the ball. Sunderland are careful not to overwhelm Aleksic as he adapts to new surroundings, making this match an ideal opportunity for him to shine in his preferred attacking midfielder role. Despite speculation, a loan move this month appears unlikely as Sunderland aim to strengthen their midfield options while supporting Aleksic’s progression at the club.
Another young talent to watch is Charlie Wykewho recently signed a new contract after impressing at U21. Known for his eye for goal, the midfielder is set to play before potentially heading out on loan to gain valuable senior experience, possibly at National League level. With the imminent return of Salis Abdul Samed, Wyke may soon no longer need coverage.
Viktor Rusyn looks set to consider a potential exit this month, likely on loan, with speculation of a return to Ukraine. He has recently made two substitute appearances over the festive period, indicating that he retains his manager’s confidence, albeit in a limited capacity. A starting role could come his way this weekend before a final decision on his immediate future is made.
Régis Le Bris expressed his admiration for the determination and training performances of Connollyalthough playing time has eluded him recently. A January exit appears possible, depending on Sunderland’s attacking options strengthening in the coming weeks. This weekend could represent the perfect opportunity for Connolly to earn a rare start and showcase his abilities ahead of some crucial Championship fixtures.
Finally, Victor Ogunsuyi has been in great form with the U21s this season and remains eligible for U18 football. The young Belgian international has attracted interest from several elite clubs, including Liverpool. With a contract that runs until the summer of 2026, Sunderland are hoping to keep him, possibly seeing him make his debut this weekend as a luxury substitute. The club are also considering sending him out on loan, probably to the National League.
