Lee Cattermole has struggled for form as Sunderland have suffered this season, and Simon Grayson must surely be considering a change.
As Sunderland’s winless run goes on, Simon Grayson surely must start to think about what changes he can make to his team that could see an upturn in form.
The Black Cats have not tasted victory in seven Championship games since beating Norwich City and, after Saturday’s defeat to Cardiff City, they now lie in the relegation zone.
Grayson and his side were not helped by some key absences against Cardiff, but Sunderland simply have to look for alternative options as this miserable streak shows no sign of ending.
With Jonny Williams missing out, Grayson opted for a five-man defence and again paired Didier Ndong and Lee Cattermole in the centre of midfield.
That partnership would struggle creatively even if both players were at the top of their game, but Sunderland have suffered for Cattermole’s shoddy showings this term.
After impressing on the opening day of the season against Derby County, the former Middlesbrough man has struggled to make his mark in the Championship.
Cattermole is currently benefiting from Sunderland’s lack of alternatives, with Jack Rodwell and Darron Gibson hardly exciting options, but Grayson must find a system that does not mean such an uninspiring spine to his team.
As the side’s wingers struggle for fitness and Lewis Grabban remains out, Sunderland need creativity and goals from midfield. The struggling Cattermole does not offer that.
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