Sunderland AFC: Regis Le Bris told to drop Dan Neil in key Sunderland change v Hull City | OneFootball

The Black Cats will be looking to get back to winning ways on the road after two successive defeats

This article is part of Football League World's 'Terrace Talk' series, which provides personal opinions from our FLW Fan Pundits regarding the latest breaking news, teams, players, managers, potential signings and more…

Sunderland head to Humberside to face Hull City this weekend, with the Black Cats looking to continue their impressive start to the 24/25 campaign after the return from the international break.

Regis Le Bris’ side currently sit top of the standings after nine matches played, with six wins and a single draw enough to lead the pack as it stands, with the Mackems excelling at both ends of the pitch.

With a number of young stars at their disposal, the Wearsiders have offered bountiful exuberance going forward - with no team scoring more than their 18 goals to date - while a steeliness at the back has seen them concede just eight goals so far.

Ahead of the short trip south to the MKM Stadium, we put it to Football League World’s resident Sunderland fan Wayne Doran about whether he would make any changes for the clash with the Tigers, with a midfield switch the order of the day.

Regis Le Bris told to consider Alan Browne recall ahead of Sunderland, Hull City affair

Sunderland almost have an embarrassment of riches when it comes to midfield options as it stands, with young stars Chris Rigg and Jobe Bellingham running the show in the Black Cats’ midfield of late.

The dynamic duo have been joined by captain Dan Neil in the engine room for the majority of the campaign, with the academy graduate dropping deeper to dictate play, and letting his teammates do the business further forward.

While the 23-year-old has been performing as admirably as ever, the arrival of Alan Browne in the summer has given the Black Cats even more options in the centre of the pitch, although the former Preston North End man has largely been restricted to substitute appearances.

Having scored against Portsmouth in his last start for the club back in August, Doran has earmarked a return to the lineup for the 29-year-old this weekend, with a shift in personnel likely to bring out the best of the Black Cats.

When asked what he would change for the upcoming fixture, the Mackems fan said: “As we head into the game against Hull at the weekend, one change I would make from the starting lineup against Leeds, would be to bring Alan Browne in for Dan Neil.

“The reason for that is, while Dan Neil is undoubtedly talented, he is a great young lad who has been given the captaincy this season, and to me that is weighing heavily on his shoulders, and it is impacting his form on the pitch.

“The last few games he has made some silly mistakes and costly errors; he gave away a penalty that cost us the game against Watford.

“In addition, he has also been given a new deep-lying role, which to me doesn’t suit his strengths; he is a player who thrives off getting on the ball, pushing forward, and making things happen.

“In this more restricted role, it is having a massive impact on his game, and that is why I would make the change.”

Alan Browne introduction can bring the best out of Sunderland midfield

With Browne’s game being more synonymous with rampaging runs forward and a box-to-box sort of attitude, it will not be a like for like swap for Neil should he come into the starting lineup.

Instead, former Birmingham City man Bellingham [pictured] would be preferred in a deeper role, where he can influence games with his energy and passing range, while Browne and Rigg can strut their stuff further forward.

With the Wearsiders consistently finding a way to break down opposition defences, Browne’s influence could add further firepower going forward, as they try to get the better of a side who have won just one of their four home matches so far.

Doran continued: “I would play Jobe [Bellingham] in that deep-lying role. Jobe has showed that natural ability to play there; he can break up play, has great energy, great strength which would suit him to play there much better.

“With Jobe playing there, that would allow Alan Browne to push forward - where he is most effective - he is versatile, he has got the experience, and he has got the energy to get up and down the pitch, he is also consistent as well.

“Ultimately, I feel this adjustment gives us a stronger balance in midfield, Jobe will provide that stability at the back, with Browne pushing forward to create attacks, and I think that combination gives us the best chance to control the game, and get the result that we need at the weekend.”