“29% passing, 15x possession lost, he have no futures in Stadium of Light, he must be AXED immediately”- Régis Le Bris to must bin Sunderland DEVASTATING flop who completed 29% passes for Chris Rigg
Sunderland Face Crucial Showdown Today as Play-Off Final Against Sheffield United Could Define Their Season
It’s a do-or-die moment for Sunderland this afternoon, with the outcome of the 2024/25 Championship play-off final against Sheffield United set to determine their fate for next season.
The Black Cats secured their spot at Wembley by edging past Coventry City 3-2 on aggregate in the semi-finals, thanks to a dramatic extra-time winner from defender Dan Ballard that sent the Stadium of Light into a frenzy.
Now, head coach Régis Le Bris faces the tough decision of selecting the best starting XI to take on Sheffield United, and many believe goalkeeper Chris Rigg deserves to be back in the lineup.
Why Chris Rigg Should Start
Given the high stakes of this match, Sunderland cannot afford any small mistakes that might cost them a place in the Premier League next season.
Adding Rigg in midfield could provide extra defensive stability in front of Dan Neil and Jobe Bellingham, making it harder for Sheffield United to penetrate their lines.
During the regular Championship season, Rigg averaged four duels won per game with a 47% success rate overall. He also contributed an average of 1.6 tackles and interceptions per game without making any errors leading to opposition goals or penalties.
The young midfielder’s inclusion would add a solid defensive shield ahead of the back four, though it would mean dropping Eliezer Mayenda to the bench to make room for Rigg playing behind striker Wilson Isidor.
Why Eliezer Mayenda Should Be Benched
Le Bris should consider starting Mayenda from the bench to allow Rigg’s reliable presence to anchor the midfield.
Bringing Mayenda on later would suit his style perfectly — using his pace and directness to exploit a tired Sheffield United defense on the counter-attack.
Mayenda’s performance in the semi-final second leg against Coventry was underwhelming.
He played the full 120 minutes but managed only two completed passes and failed to create chances, losing most of his duels.
Such a performance raises doubts about starting him in the final, as Sheffield United might easily outmuscle him and intercept his passes.
Tactical Advantage
Replacing Mayenda with Rigg, who boasts a 47% duel success rate and 79% pass accuracy in the Championship, could give Sunderland a more solid foundation from the outset.
Then, later in the match, Le Bris could introduce Mayenda’s pace off the bench by substituting Rigg, allowing the Frenchman to join Isidor up front in a more attacking formation.
This tactical flexibility could be crucial in a tight game and might just tip the balance in Sunderland’s favor.
