Sunderland take on Tottenham Hotspur at the Stadium of Light this afternoon, looking to move the visitors closer to the Premier League relegation zone.
Regis Le Bris’ men come into contention on the back of a Tyne-Wear Derby win over local rivals Newcastle United – no doubt boosting the club’s confidence.
The Black Cats will be looking for a vital three points later today, and the prospect of a top-half finish remains firmly on the cards before the end of May.
However, if they are to beat the Lilywhites at home this afternoon, the manager will have a number of decisions to make on who to include in his starting eleven.
One player must be dropped from the 11 to face Roberto De Zerbi’s side, especially if the team is to make it back-to-back wins in the Premier League.
Why Sadiki should be dropped against Tottenham
During the derby day win, Sunderland midfielder Noah Sadiki was given a start on the ground, but was one of the few players to struggle against the Magpies.
The DR Congo international has been a fixture throughout the tournament at St James’ Park, but his stats highlight just how disappointed he was in the win.
He managed to register just 27 touches of the ball during the tournament, the fewest of any player on either side, which shows the lack of positive impact he had on the run.
Sadiki was also able to complete 12 passes with a success rate of only 74%, the midfielder unable to give those in front of him the opportunities they needed.
He also managed to complete 33% of his attempted dribbles, while losing the ball eight times – further highlighting his disappointing performance.
Off the ball, the 21-year-old was also efficient, managing to clear 40% of the ground duels he entered – when he was also booked.
The player who should replace Sadiki against Spurs
There is no doubt that Sadiki has been the best player for the Black Cats this season, but Le Bris may need to shuffle his pockets in this afternoon’s game.
The international break will have given the team a much needed break, but it will also allow the manager to work closely with his squad again.
It could also see a switch to a slightly different formation compared to Spurs, which could see Habib Diarra drop into a slightly deeper role in place of Sadiki.
As a result, the position will open in the tenth position, where Le Bris needs to relieve Enzo Le Fee again, due to his negative influence in the aforementioned role.
The Frenchman, who joined for £20m last summer, has been in impressive form throughout this term, registering a combined eight goals and assists.
However, he was called to the bench for Newcastle’s victory before half-time, entering the field one minute before the final whistle.
The manager should be looking to bring him back into the squad for tonight’s game, as the 26-year-old has the ability to inflict some pain on the visitors at the Stadium of Light.
He has created 1.4 chances out of 90 so far this season, while achieving an accuracy rate of 27% – and the latter’s latest stats put him in the top 20% of the division.
These talents are similar to those of former loanee Amad Diallo, with the Ivory Coast man regularly causing havoc for the Black Cats during his 2022/23 loan spell.
|
Enzo Le Fee – PL stats (2025/26) |
|
|---|---|
|
Mathematics (90 percentile) |
Mathematics |
|
Games played |
29 |
|
Terms & Conditions |
8 |
|
Pass accuracy |
82% |
|
Opportunities are created |
1.4 |
|
The accuracy of the cross |
27% |
|
The fight is done |
2.7 |
|
Duels won |
4.7 |
|
Defense contributions |
9.8 |
Le Fee has completed 82% of the passes he has attempted so far, and averaged 4.2 passes per 90 in the final third – reaffirming his talent in possession.
However, off the ball, the Frenchman was equally impressive, after which he won 4.2 duels in 90 and made 2.7 tackles – which puts him in the top 7% of attackers in the league.
His ability to recover the ball could be crucial in this afternoon’s game, as De Zerbi’s side desperately need to grind out results to avoid relegation.
Sadiki’s departure may be controversial for many fans, but ultimately, a change may be necessary if Le Bris’ side are to secure another win in the Premier League.
Le Fee’s quality could make him a huge asset for the Black Cats, especially given the levels he has shown in the top flight this campaign.
Le Bris have recently acquired new Lee Cattermole from Sunderland
Regis Le Bris has hit the ground running for Sunderland’s new signing Lee Cattermole.
