Regis Le Bris has ‘plenty of problems to solve’ within his Sunderland squad - but any talk over a possible departure from his role with the Black Cats is ‘crazy’.

That was the verdict of former Celtic and Blackburn Rovers striker Chris Sutton as he assessed the current situation at the Stadium of Light ahead of Sunday’s home game with another of his former clubs, Chelsea. The meeting of the two sides provides an intriguing point of reference for the former Lorient boss after the Blues’ last visit to Wearside brought scenes of celebration as his side claimed a win that secured progress into the Europa League on the final day of last season.

Fast forward six months and Le Bris’ men are sitting at the bottom of the Premier League table with just one win to their name and Thursday’s Europa League defeat against Croatian champions Dinamo Zagreb has increased speculation over whether a change in the dugout is required. Sutton believes the statistics behind Sunderland’s poor form explain why they are struggling but remains uncertain whether they should look to move on Le Bris in the near future.

Writing in his BBC Sport predictions column, he said: “I keep hearing how Sunderland boss Regis le Bris is under pressure. Really? After finishing seventh and getting a promoted side into Europe last season, it seems crazy that his job is at risk now. Still, Le Bris has plenty of problems to solve while his squad is being stretched by the Europa League - before this game they play Dinamo Zagreb on Thursday.

“The Black Cats won this fixture on the final day of the last campaign, but their home record is nothing like as strong this time around. They are also conceding an average of almost two goals a game in the Premier League, compared to 2025-26 when only three teams had a better defensive record.

“Add that to their problems scoring - Forest are the only team with fewer goals so far - and you can see why they are bottom of the table. I am still not sure how to judge Chelsea yet - yes, they beat Manchester United last week, but everyone beats Manchester United - but I just don't see the Black Cats keeping them out. Sutton's prediction: 1-2.”