REGIS Le Bris has offered a strong indication of what his starting XI will be for next week's Cardiff opener.

Sunderland's starting XI against Marseille in the final friendly of the summer has the look of being the team the head coach opts for next Saturday.

Aji Alese returns to the side, joining Dennis Cirkin, Luke O'Nien and Trai Hume in defence, in front of goalkeeper Anthony Patterson.

Dan Neil, Alan Browne and Jobe Bellingham start in midfield, with Jack Clarke and Patrick Roberts playing off Eliezer Mayenda.

Ian Poveda has travelled with Sunderland to Valley Parade but is not involved.

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Chris Rigg is on the bench, as is Romaine Mundle on the back of his impressive showing against Bradford in midweek. Hemir, Jewison Bennette and Jay Matete are again not involved, nor is Elliot Embleton.

Mason Greenwood is not involved for Marseille.

Sunderland fans who haven't made the trip to Bradford for today's game can watch the club's live stream, which is available for £7, HERE.

SAFC XI: Patterson, Hume, O'Nien, Alese, Cirkin, Neil, Browne, Jobe, Roberts, Clarke, Mayenda.

Subs: Moore, Hjelde, Johnson, Rigg, Ba, Aouchiche, Mundle, Rusyn.