Sunderland’s return to European football has given Regis Le Bris another challenge, as the Black Cats are struggling to balance their Europa League commitments with the Premier League. They sit bottom of the table with just five points from nine games, having won only once against Fulham in August.

Sunderland’s underlying numbers suggest they have been unfortunate, as their performances indicate they should have scored more than seven goals and conceded fewer than 17. However, results are becoming a growing concern, and Le Bris is reportedly under pressure to keep his job. His next big decision comes against Dinamo Zagreb on Thursday, with Chelsea arriving at the Stadium of Light just three days later.

Regis Le Bris must balance European ambitions with Premier League survival

Sunderland’s Premier League position looks bleak, but there are reasons to believe they can turn things around. Their underlying numbers suggest they should be comfortably in mid-table, and a little more luck in both boxes could help them start picking up results.

They are also only two points from safety, meaning Regis Le Bris still has a realistic chance of turning things around. Nevertheless, pressure is growing after seven Premier League games without a win, and the 50-year-old manager may need a positive result before the November international break.

Chelsea’s visit to the Stadium of Light will be Sunderland’s final match before the break, and it could offer an opportunity to make a statement. Xabi Alonso’s side are fourth, but they have shown vulnerabilities Le Bris could exploit. With his own position under pressure, a win against the Blues would be particularly valuable.

However, Sunderland must first navigate a tricky Europa League meeting with Dinamo Zagreb. The Black Cats have collected seven points from their opening three league-phase matches and sit ninth, just outside the top eight, which would secure automatic qualification for the last 16 and spare them an extra knockout round. Zagreb are 18th with four points, making them awkward opponents, but Sunderland will be targeting all three points.

Which Sunderland players could Le Bris rest against Dinamo Zagreb?

Sunderland’s reliance on a handful of key players could influence Regis Le Bris’ selection against Dinamo Zagreb. Granit Xhaka has played the most minutes of any outfield player this season, with 995 across 12 appearances. Noah Sadiki and Enzo Le Fee have also been regulars, accumulating 964 and 929 minutes respectively.

Sunderland’s top five outfield players by minutes played

Reinildo Mandava and Trai Hume round out the top five, with 829 and 795 minutes respectively. Le Bris may be tempted to rest some of his most-used players rather than risk further fatigue ahead of an important Premier League fixture.

The manager therefore faces a difficult balancing act. European progress would be a significant achievement, particularly given Sunderland’s strong start to the league phase. However, Premier League survival must remain the priority, and Le Bris may need to sacrifice some of his European ambitions to give his key players the best chance against Chelsea.