Sunderland desperately needed to add to their squad to boost their survival hopes.
Sunderland had a tough transfer window but managed to bring in five players overall.
Jake Clarke-Salter, Kazenga LuaLua, Ovie Ejaria, Lee Camp and Ashley Fletcher all arrived at the Stadium of Light in January, although the club did lose Lewis Grabban, James Vaughan and Didier N’Dong.
With all the changes to the team, here is Sunderland’s strongest XI (when fully fit) which Chris Coleman has to try to keep the Black Cats in the Championship.
GK: Lee Camp
Coleman signed experienced goalkeeper Lee Camp who will add an assured presence between the sticks. He has enjoyed success at Derby County and Nottingham Forest throughout his career.
CB: Lamine Kone
Lamine Kone made his return from injury against Birmingham City in mid-week. The powerful Ivorian was instrumental for Sunderland when they survived in the Premier League in 2016. He is their most talented defender and has been linked with a move to the Premier League in the last two windows.
CB: Jake Clarke-Salter
20-year-old defender was Sunderland’s first signing of the window, joining on loan from Chelsea. Salter is highly rated at Stamford Bridge. He signed a four year deal in the summer. He was also part of the England under-20 side that won the World Cup.
CB: Paddy McNair
The former Manchester United defender has had terrible luck with injuries but when fit, he is an imposing figure at the heart of the defence and puts his body on the line for the cause. A consistent run in the side could be beneficial for him and Sunderland.
RWB: Adam Matthews
Welshman Adam Matthews has been first choice at right-back for the majority of the season. He is better suited to the wing-back role than Billy Jones due to his high energy and attacking qualities. The 26-year-old scored once so far this season.
LWB: Bryan Oviedo
Bryan Oviedo has stamped his authority on the left wing back role and is easily the best left back in the team. Brendan Galloway has only featured seven times in the Championship and has not impressed during his loan spell from Everton. With 55 Premier League appearances to his name, Oviedo provides better experience than his understudy.
CM: Lee Cattermole
This Sunderland squad lacks experience but Lee Cattermole is one of a few players who can provide that. The midfielder is one of the toughest players in the league. He likes to break up play and start attacks and possesses good passing ability.
CM: Ovie Ejaria
New signing from Liverpool Ovie Ejaria can provide a more creative spark from midfield. Ejaria was also part of the England under 20s World Cup winning squad. His style of play has been likened to that of Paul Pogba – high energy, box-to-box and with an eye for goal, he is also highly rated by Jurgen Klopp.
RW: Kazenga LuaLua
New signing Kazenga LuaLua will bring much needed pass to the Sunderland line-up. The former Brighton & Hove Albion and Newcastle man has the ability to beat defenders and will be able to help the Black Cats’ strikers in the goal-scoring department.
LW: Aiden McGeady
Aiden McGeady has been one of Sunderland’s best players so far this season. The Irishman has scored five times already this season and Coleman will be hoping he stays fit as he has the ability to score and create.
ST: Ashley Fletcher
Despite being only 22, Ashley Fletcher is Sunderland’s most experienced striker ahead of Joel Asoro and Josh Maja. He has scored just three goals since August 2016 which does not make great reading but he was only a bit part player at both West Ham and Middlesbrough.
He did score nine goals for Barnsley in 2015-16 so with a run of games and a bit of consistency, he is certainly capable of becoming a regular goal-scorer.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
