Mayenda in: The predicted Sunderland XI to face Cardiff City on Saturday | OneFootball

Sunderland's highly anticipated Championship season kicks off away at Cardiff City this Saturday, with Mayenda set for his first league start.

Highlights

Sunderland travel to Cardiff City this Saturday, in what will be their first Championship match of the new season under new boss, Regis Le Bris.

The Black Cats enter the new season with an air of unknown circling around them. This will be the Wearsiders' third consecutive campaign in the Championship, having finished fifth and 16th in their last two outings.

Despite their disappointing end to the 2023/24 season, there is a quiet cause for optimism around the club. After 124 days without a manager, the club appointed Le Bris. Even though it is early days, the Frenchman seems to have settled in well and has had time to stamp his style on the side.

Although the club has only managed a sprinkle of business, the club has held onto its prized assets - so far. The transfer window is far from shutting, but with Jack Clarke, Trai Hume and Anthony Patterson still at the club, a successful season could be in the offing.

Without doubt, the forward line needs improvement and fast. If the Black Cats can sign a prolific striker before the window closes, then they will be a force to be reckoned with.

Sunderland predicted XI

GK: Anthony Patterson

Sunderland's shot-stopper, Anthony Patterson, is a shoo-in to start on Saturday. The 24-year-old has only missed one Championship game over the entirety of the last two seasons and has been ever-present between the sticks for the Black Cats.

Patterson has proven himself to be an established Championship goalkeeper over the last few seasons and has justified the Premier League interest in him. The goalkeeper will likely be tested in what could prove a tricky trip for the Wearsiders.

RB: Trai Hume

Another Sunderland player who has been the subject of interest this summer is Trai Hume. Like Patterson, the Northern Irishman has attracted interest from the Premier League and across Europe, with Galatasaray having a bid rejected for the 22-year-old.

The right-back has made a name for himself at the Stadium of Light with his aggressive, combative tackling. Hume played every game of Sunderland's last campaign and will be one of the first names on Le Bris' team sheet.

CB: Luke O'Nien

Luke O'Nien, aka Mr Sunderland, will be one of the first names on Le Bris' team sheet.

The versatile centre-back epitomises the club with his exemplary attitude on and off the pitch and is a role model for the rest of the team. He will no doubt be flexing his leadership for the Wearsiders in their first game of the season.

CB: Aji Alese

One of the more contentious decisions for Le Bris will be at centre-back because of the injury to Dan Ballard, which will keep the Northern Irishman out of Sunderland's opening game.

Alese is primed to benefit from that injury, having been Le Bris' favoured choice over pre-season. Although the 23-year-old has largely appeared as a left-back for the Black Cats, he will be comfortable in the heart of the defence and should compliment O'Nien with his pace.

LB: Dennis Cirkin

If it was not for his awful luck with injuries, then Dennis Cirkin would probably have made a century of appearances for the Black Cats. As a result, the left-back has been in and out of the side, but Sunderland are definitely stronger with him.

With a positive pre-season under his belt, and a goal against Marseille, Cirkin deserves his place in Le Bris' starting eleven.

CM: Dan Neil

Boyhood Sunderland supporter, Dan Neil, has been ever-present in the Black Cats' midfield over the last three seasons and is a certainty to start on Saturday.

Neil is the linchpin in Sunderland's midfield and will play in a more defensive role in front of the back line. Despite his age, the 22-year-old is vastly experienced and already has 149 appearances to his name.

CM: Alan Browne

Alan Browne became Le Bris' first signing at Sunderland and will slot straight into the midfield alongside Neil. At 29, Browne will be one of the Wearsiders' more experienced players, along with O'Nien.

The former Preston man will bring some much-desired leadership into Le Bris' young side when he makes his debut this weekend.

CAM: Jobe Bellingham

Having opted to remain on Wearside, it is expected that Jobe Bellingham will have a place in Le Bris' first match of the campaign.

The 18-year-old had a promising first season in red and white, scoring seven and assisting one. Bellingham possesses strong physical attributes and a good touch, but fans will be wanting him to have more of an influence this season.

RW: Patrick Roberts

When he is at his best, he can be unplayable, but Sunderland fans have seen Roberts' ability in streaks during his three seasons at the club. Under Mowbray, Roberts played his best football in red and white, but he underwhelmed last season.

Le Bris has selected Roberts in his stronger sides during pre-season, so he looks likely to get the nod this Saturday. However, the 27-year-old is playing for his place, with the likes of Ian Poveda and Abdoullah Ba fighting for his shirt.

LW: Jack Clarke

Unfortunately for Cardiff fans, Jack Clarke is still a Sunderland player. Despite the constant speculation around his future, he has remained at the Stadium of Light - for now.

Sunderland's 2023/24 player of the year has proven himself to be unplayable at times down the left. The winger's ability to beat a man and find the back of the next from inconceivable angles will send shivers through Cardiff's back line.

CF: Eliezer Mayenda

With no disrespect to Eliezer Mayenda, the forward is benefiting from Sunderland's struggles to sign a striker. The forward line needed to be addressed by Kyril Louis-Dreyfus and Kristjaan Speakman, but they have been unable to get a deal over the line.

Judging by pre-season, it seems Mayenda is Le Bris' most fancied forward, ahead of Nazariy Rusyn and Luis 'Hemir' Semedo. The 19-year-old is inexperienced, but this will be a massive opportunity for the Spaniard to stake his claim.