The stats experts at WhoScored have updated their latest average match ratings for Sunderland players.

Sunderland head coach Regis Le Bris is facing a tough task managing his squad during what will be one of the busiest and most exciting seasons in the club’s long and proud history.

After guiding the Black Cats to a seventh place finish during what was an outstanding return to the Premier League last season, Le Bris is now leading Sunderland into their first ever Europa League campaign and that got underway with a hard-earned home win against Eredivisie side AZ Alkmaar last week. However, competing in the league phase of UEFA’s secondary club competition alongside the demands of life in the Premier League and trying to progress in the Carabao Cup and FA Cup will place a strain on Le Bris’ squad as they chase success on several fronts.

placeholder image — Sunderland head coach Regis Le Bris. | Frank Reid.

Rotating throughout the season is a must and the former Lorient head coach has already shown he is able to place his trust in players across his squad throughout the opening month of the season. The Premier League will always take priority and making an impact in their first European campaign since 1973 can help the Black Cats develop on and off the pitch.

For some, the Carabao Cup is viewed as lower down the list of priorities - but Le Bris showed he is taking the competition seriously as the likes of summer signing Malick Fofana, Paraguay international Omar Alderete and stalwart Luke O’Nien all featured in a 1-0 home win against Hull City. But what is Le Bris’ strongest starting eleven? We take a look at who should feature with the help of average match ratings provided by the stats experts at WhoScored.

The Echo has launched a new WhatsApp SAFC Channel to bring the latest news, analysis and team & injury updates direct to your phone. Simply click this link to join our SAFC WhatsApp channel.