Predicted Sunderland side to face Fulham: Coleman to start League One preparations early?

Sunderland have nothing left to play for following relegation and so Chris Coleman must only call upon players he can rely on for next season.

Chris Coleman, manager of Sunderland looks on ahead of the Sky Bet Championship match between QPR and Sunderland at Loftus Road on March 10, 2018 in London, England.

Sunderland still have two games to play this season, despite having their relegation from the Championship confirmed last week.

Defeat at home to Burton Albion brought a disastrous one-year stay in the second tier to a close and the Black Cats must start planning for the future.

That begins at Fulham on Friday, where Chris Coleman will surely pull the plug on the careers of the loan men who will not be around to help next season.

There are likely to be changes as they head to Craven Cottage…

Jason Steele of Sunderland in action during the Sky Bet Championship match between QPR and Sunderland at Loftus Road on March 10, 2018 in London, England.

Jason Steele offered a slight improvement on Lee Camp against Burton, plus his lengthy contract means Sunderland may again come to rely on the goalkeeper and he should keep his place.

Sunderland do not have a great deal of options in defence and so may again have to rely on Lamine Kone alongside John O’Shea.

George Honeyman, Lee Cattermole and Paddy McNair have been key to the Black Cats’ marginal improvement in recent weeks and keeping their midfield stars will be key to a promotion bid.

Callum McManaman could also come into his own next year, while Sunderland must show Joel Asoro and Josh Maja that they will be key figures.

Here’s how we expect Sunderland to line up:

Sunderland v Fulham