Sunderland vs Dinamo Zagreb: Predicted XI, Europa League Changes and Pressure on Regis Le Bris

Sunderland return to Europa League action on Thursday night with Dinamo Zagreb visiting the Stadium of Light, and the contrast in form is obvious. In Europe, Sunderland remain unbeaten after two wins and a draw from their first three matches. In the Premier League, they have looked brittle, disorganised and short on confidence.

The 3-1 defeat at Coventry City on Saturday sharpened the scrutiny around Regis Le Bris. Sunderland were poor across the pitch and the result raised fresh questions about where this team is heading domestically. For now, the head coach stays in place and has been given time to improve league results. That buys him breathing space, not much more.

Thursday matters for obvious reasons. Win, and Sunderland strengthen their Europa League position while restoring a bit of credibility after the Coventry setback. Slip up, and the noise grows louder again.

Europa League squad change confirmed

Le Bris has already confirmed one key update ahead of the Dinamo Zagreb game. Chemsdine Talbi comes into Sunderland’s Europa League squad in place of Habib Diarra, with Diarra ruled out for six weeks after another injury setback. That is a blow because Sunderland need depth in midfield, especially with fixtures stacking up.

With Chelsea due at the Stadium of Light three days later, rotation looks inevitable. Sunderland need fresh legs and, frankly, some players from the Coventry defeat do not deserve to keep their place. This is where Le Bris has to be practical. Protect a few regulars, bring in players with energy, and trust those who have actually delivered in Europe.

Predicted Sunderland XI vs Dinamo Zagreb

Robin Roefs should start in goal. That part is simple.

At right-back, Thomas Meunier could come in after returning to full fitness, allowing Trai Hume a rest. Experience matters in a game like this, particularly after the lack of control Sunderland showed at the weekend.

In central defence, change feels necessary. Omar Alderete endured a dreadful afternoon at Coventry and his late red card only deepened the mess. Kevin Danso is the obvious replacement, with Luke O’Nien likely to partner him. Dayann Methalie is expected to keep his place at left-back after remaining part of Sunderland’s European setup.

Midfield is where Le Bris may lean into youth. Jules Ahoka has done enough in recent outings to earn another start, and Noah Sadiki could line up alongside him. That would give Granit Xhaka and Enzo Le Fee a chance to recover ahead of Chelsea, while still keeping enough technical quality in the side.

Talbi is the interesting one. With Diarra out and Talbi now registered, the Moroccan has a clear opening to start in the number ten role. His display in the Carabao Cup win over Brentford gave Le Bris a reason to trust him, and Sunderland need someone capable of linking midfield and attack with urgency.

Out wide, Nilson Angulo and Malick Fofana both look set to keep their places. They were effective against Lech Poznan in Europe and have shown enough in recent matches to justify another start.

Up front, Timur Tutierov deserves the nod. He scored early against Lech Poznan and followed that with another goal against Brentford. Form matters, even if the sample size is still small. Brian Brobbey and Wilson Isidor offer senior alternatives from the bench, but Tutierov has earned this chance.

The likely Sunderland line-up looks like this: Roefs, Meunier, Danso, O’Nien, Methalie, Ahoka, Sadiki, Talbi, Fofana, Angulo, Tutierov.

Dinamo Zagreb test and three-point demand

Dinamo Zagreb arrive on Wearside in awkward circumstances after parting company with Mario Kovacevic at the weekend. A club without a permanent manager can be unstable, or dangerous for one night. Sunderland should not care which version turns up. At home, unbeaten in the competition, and facing an opponent in transition, the expectation is straightforward.

Anything other than three points would be a poor outcome.

Sunderland have already shown that their Europa League level is better than their domestic form suggests. The issue now is consistency, selection and whether Le Bris is willing to make decisions based on performance rather than reputation. On current evidence, several changes are required and several younger players deserve to be trusted.

This does not need to be complicated. Pick the in-form attackers, restore order in defence, and take control early. Sunderland have enough to beat Dinamo Zagreb. They simply need to play like a side that understands the opportunity in front of them.