Rami Al Hajj

Preview | Sunderland (A)

The Game   
Sunderland v Argyle. Stadium of Light. Saturday, 25 January. 3pm. Sky Bet Championship.  

The Opposition  
Sunderland were the early leaders in the Championship, winning their first four games before losing to Argyle in their fifth. The Black Cats won nine of their opening 12 fixtures before going on a run of five draws in a row.  

November ended with a defeat at Sheffield United, but since then the Wearsiders have lost once, at Stoke City, while winning six and drawing three of their last ten.   

The Gaffer  
Regis Le Bris was a surprise choice as Sunderland’s new manager when he was appointed in the summer of 2024, but it has seemed like an inspired choice.    

Regis Le Bris

The 48-year-old Frenchman worked in the academy systems of Wasquehal, Rennes and Lorient, before being made the latter’s B-team manager, and then first-team boss. In his two seasons at the helm, Lorient finished 10th, then were relegated, but after leaving the French side, he quickly pitched up on Wearside to take over at Sunderland in June 2024. 

The Squad  
Midfielder Dan Neil has played more games than any other Sunderland player this season, missing just one league match. The 23-year-old was born in nearby South Shields, grew up a Sunderland fan, and has progressed from the Academy, where he started at the age of nine. He has now played 177 times for the Black Cats, scoring 11 goals.  

Trai Hume is only one appearance shy of Neil’s total. The Northern Irish international, 22, has typically played at right-back, but can also fill in at left-back or in the centre of defence. Hume began his career at Linfield, also spending time on loan at Ballymena, before moving to Sunderland in January 2022.  

Enzo Le Fee

Sunderland have recently brought in midfielder Enzo Le Fee (above) on loan from Roma. Now 24, Le Fee is a former France Under-21 international, and was signed by Roma in the summer from Rennes for a reported €23m, but has only played six times. He previously played for French club Lorient.  

Earlier This Season  
Argyle won a thrilling game at Home Park, emerging 3-2 victors. Sunderland led through a contentious Patrick Roberts penalty, with Argyle forcing their way in front in the second half with a Dan Ballard own goal and a penalty of their own, scored by Ryan Hardie. Romaine Mundle equalised on 86 minutes, seemingly saving a point, but Joe Edwards scored in injury time to give Argyle the win in dramatic fashion.  

Tickets  
Tickets are now off sale for this match. Collections are available on the day from the Sunderland Ticket Office. 

A Strip for the Trip 
Argyle will wear their green home kit for this game.  

Argyle TV  
Argyle TV’s  coverage will begin at 10am, with the Argyle Breakfast show, hosted by Erin Black and Aaron Cusack. Charlie Price will host the pre-match show at 2.30pm, and will be joined by former Argyle Women midfielder Jemma Rose, before handing over to the Stadium of Light for match coverage, with commentary from Nathan Albon and Lee Makel. 

Click here for more information on how to buy match passes for the game.