Sunderland face Tottenham Hotspur at the Stadium of Light this afternoon, looking to push the visitors ever closer to the Premier League’s relegation places.
Regis Le Bris’ men come into the clash off the back of the Tyne-Wear Derby victory over local rivals Newcastle United – undoubtedly boosting the confidence of the side.
The Black Cats will be looking to secure three more crucial points later on today, with the prospect of a top-half finish still firmly on the cards before the end of May.
However, if they are to beat the Lilywhites on home soil this afternoon, the manager will have numerous decisions to make on who to include in his starting eleven.
One player must be dropped from the starting eleven to face Roberto De Zerbi’s side, especially if the side are to make it back-to-back wins in the Premier League.
Why Sadiki must be dropped against Tottenham
During the recent derby day victory, Sunderland midfielder Noah Sadiki was handed a start at the base of the side, but one of few players to struggle against the Magpies.
The DR Congo international featured for the entirety of the contest at St James’ Park, but his underlying figures highlight how disappointing he was throughout the victory.
He only managed to register 27 touches of the ball during the contest, the fewest of any player on both sides, showcasing the lack of positive impact he had on proceedings.
Sadiki also only managed to complete 12 passes at a success rate of just 74%, with the midfielder unable to provide those ahead of him with the chances they needed.
He also only managed to complete 33% of the dribbles he attempted, whilst losing the ball on eight occasions – further highlighting his disappointing performance.
Without the ball, the 21-year-old was also just as ineffective, only managing to come out on top of 40% of the ground duels he entered – whilst also picking up a booking.
The player who should replace Sadiki against Spurs
There’s no doubt Sadiki has been an excellent addition for the Black Cats this season, but Le Bris may need to shuffle his pack for the clash this afternoon.
The international break will have handed the side a needed rest, but it will have also allowed the manager to work closely with his group of players once again.
It could also see a switch to a slightly different system against Spurs, which could see Habib Diarra drop into a slightly deeper midfield role at the expense of Sadiki.
As a result, a position would open up in the number ten position, with Le Bris needing to unleash Enzo Le Fee once again, given his pervious impact in the aforementioned role.
The Frenchman, who joined for £20m last summer, has been in impressive form throughout this term, subsequently registering eight combined goals and assists.
However, he was named on the bench for the victory over Newcastle before the break, only getting onto the pitch for one minute before the final whistle.
The manager should look to recall him to the side for today’s clash, with the 26-year-old having the talent to inflict further pain on the visitors at the Stadium of Light.
He’s created 1.4 chances per 90 so far this season, whilst achieving a 27% cross accuracy rate – with the latter of the two stats ranking him in the top 20% of the division.
Such talents are similar to those of former loanee Amad Diallo, with the Ivorian able to cause constant carnage for the Black Cats during his time on loan in 2022/23.
|
Enzo Le Fee – PL stats (2025/26) |
|
|---|---|
|
Statistics (per 90) |
Tally |
|
Games played |
29 |
|
Goals & assists |
8 |
|
Pass accuracy |
82% |
|
Chances created |
1.4 |
|
Cross accuracy |
27% |
|
Tackles made |
2.7 |
|
Duels won |
4.7 |
|
Defensive contributions |
9.8 |
Le Fee has also completed 82% of the passes he’s attempted to date, whilst making 4.2 passes into the final third per 90 – reaffirming the talent he possesses in possession.
However, without the ball, the Frenchman has been just as impressive, subsequently winning 4.2 duels per 90 and making 2.7 tackles – placing him in the top 7% of attackers in the league.
His ability to regain the ball could be pivotal in such a clash this afternoon, with De Zerbi’s side desperately needing to grind out results to avoid relegation.
Dropping Sadiki may be a controversial call for many fans, but ultimately, a change may be needed if Le Bris’ side are to secure another win in the Premier League.
Le Fee’s all-round quality could make him a huge asset for the Black Cats, especially given the levels he’s previously demonstrated in the top-flight this campaign.
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