HITC picks out some reasons Sunderland fans should perhaps be fearful looking ahead this season.
Sunderland fans look on as players warm up ahead of the Sky Bet Championship match against Derby County.
Sunderland return to Championship action tomorrow (September 9) when they host Sheffield United, hoping that the international break will help improve their form.
The Black Cats went into this time away from domestic football on the back of successive league defeats to Leeds United and Barnsley.
Simon Grayson’s men are currently 19th and one point outside the relegation zone and here are three reasons why fans should be fearful for the season.
Sunderland manager Simon Grayson.
Losing Lamine Kone and Didier Ndong
One of the big surprises on deadline day was keeping hold of Kone and Ndong, who the Chronicle tipped to leave the Stadium of Light following the Wearside team’s relegation from the Premier League.
Both have looked decent in the second tier, but as a result there is a big chance they could both leave in January and filling their spots in the XI will not be an easy task for Grayson.
Lamine Kone and Tyias Browning of Sunderland challenge Curtis Davies of Derby County.
Lack of quality upfront
It was hoped a striker could be brought in on deadline day, but despite being strongly linked by the Sunderland Echo and others, Ross McCormack did not join on loan from Aston Villa.
In fact no new forward did and relying on Lewis Grabban and James Vaughan for goals could be a risky gamble.
Relying on Lee Cattermole
The Championship looks to be a good fit the combative Cattermole, but while Ndong has real quality there are still question marks over the Englishman.
Fitness is one concern, with the 29-year-old often failing to complete games, while with Darron Gibson and Jack Rodwell behind him for a place the alternatives aren’t much better.
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