Sunderland: Regis Le Bris should take controversial Dan Ballard call v Watford - View | OneFootball

Chris Mepham's debut performance against Middlesbrough means Dan Ballard's starting place is in jeopardy.

Before the start of the season, Dan Ballard was considered a sure starter for Sunderland and one of the best centre-backs in the Championship.

While the former Arsenal man suffered an injury that kept him out for the start of the season, it was assumed that it would only be a matter of time before he reclaimed his place in the Black Cats' starting eleven.

However, due to injuries and the arrival of a Premier League defender, the Northern Ireland international has lost his place, and Regis Le Bris would be justified in keeping him on the bench for Saturday's encounter with Watford.

Dan Ballard's season hampered by injury and error

If it were not for an injury picked up in pre-season, then Ballard would have started the Championship campaign in the heart of Sunderland's defence alongside the versatile Luke O'Nien.

Instead, Aji Alese was the main beneficiary of the injury to the 25-year-old and started the Wearsiders' opening four matches. Unfortunately for Alese, he is just as injury prone as Ballard and suffered an ankle injury which is due to keep him out until late November.

The injury sustained to Alese came at the perfect time for Ballard, who naturally slotted straight back into Le Bris' side. However, the centre-back endured a nightmare performance against Plymouth Argyle, which resulted in a penalty conceded and a minor injury.

While Ballard sat on the bench against Middlesbrough last weekend, Chris Mepham became the fourth player to play at centre-back for the Black Cats alongside O'Nien, who has been a linchpin in the side during the fledgling campaign.

As expected, Mepham was a roaring success on his full debut for the club and showed exactly why he has a wealth of Premier League appearances under his belt. Alongside O'Nien, the duo performed like they had been partnering one another for years in a natural partnership.

As Ballard watched on from the bench, he must have been doing so with concern, as the pair of Mepham and O'Nien looked undroppable.

Regis Le Bris should stick with Chris Mepham for Watford clash

Against Watford, Le Bris should have Mepham, O'Nien and Ballard all fully fit for the intriguing clash and the Frenchman should go with the same pairing that defeated Boro.

While Michael Carrick's men had some reasonable chances in the first half, Sunderland's defence restricted the Teeside outfit during the second period and the Black Cats never looked like conceding.

Mepham was cool, calm and collected during his first start for Sunderland, and in what could have been a tough game against sticky opposition, he drew plaudits with a classy, polished performance.

Although there is no doubting Ballard's talent, the 25-year-old should be given time to settle back into the side. While the Northern Ireland international made a mistake against Plymouth, it should not be held against him, but perhaps it was a sign he is not as ready as Mepham.

When the games arrive as regularly as London buses, then Ballard will benefit from squad rotation, but until then, Mepham should be the man trusted alongside O'Nien.

Ballard has endured a torrid start to the new season for Sunderland, with injuries and an indifferent performance hampering his first team opportunities.

As a result of his misfortunes, Alese and Mepham have benefited in his absence, with the latter excelling during his first start against Middlesbrough.

With their crunch game against Watford on the horizon, the Wearsiders must pick their strongest cenre-back pairing, and at this moment, that is O'Nien and Mepham.