Assessing Sunderland's squad as it stands and where Lee Johnson could make January changes

The postponement of League One fixtures due to a COVID-19 outbreak has prevented Lee Johnson from being able to build momentum on the pitch at the start of his tenure.
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The break, though, may well have allowed him to step up preparations for a crucial January transfer window.

Business is likely to be limited, with Sunderland only able to add one player above the age of 21 to their squad under the salary cap rules, unless of course Johnson is able to move some players out.

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With only loanee in the squad at present, though, there may well be opportunities to strengthen.

Jack Diamond's form could have implications for the January windowJack Diamond's form could have implications for the January window
Jack Diamond's form could have implications for the January window

So which positions is he likely to prioritise?

We take a closer look…

GOALKEEPERS

Lee Burge was restored to the starting XI for Lee Johnson's first game in charge and looks to have cemented his place as first-choice for the time being.

Some strong goalkeeping in the early stages of the 4-0 win at Lincoln City was hugely important and without some good saves days later, Sunderland would have been beaten by AFC Wimbledon.

An interesting decision is what will happen with young goalkeeper Anthony Patterson.

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Sunderland had initially intended to loan him out in January, but that never came to fruition and he continued to make a big impression behind the scenes.

That led Johnson to give him a chance against Oldham Athletic and the new head coach was impressed with how maturely he commanded his box.

A loan may still yet be the best option for the 20-year-old. Hamilton have been linked and the Scottish Premiership would be a good level for him to test him and get good exposure to senior football.

It could leave him in a strong position to push for more Sunderland appearances next year.

DEFENDERS

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With the wage and squad size cap limiting what Lee Johnson is able to do in January, you suspect that defence is an area that is unlikely to be a pressing priority.

After all, Phil Parkinson assembled a unit to offer cover in every position in a back three. Though Johnson has stressed he will be flexible, the move to a back four means he has depth.

There have been some issues at the back in his games so far but you have to consider that in Luke O'Nien, Jordan Willis and Denver Hume, he has his three most dynamic defensive options to return to the squad.

One of the interesting January storylines may well be that of Dion Sanderson.

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Johnson rates him highly, and noted soon after taking the job that he had been impressed with his performances on loan at Cardiff City last season.

Wolves, though, are certain to be concerned at the lack of gametime he has had so far this season.

It's a situation they will no doubt be monitoring closely and you would expect talks to be held in the build-up to the window. How that situation develops may play a significant role in guiding whether Johnson needs to do any business in this area.

CENTRAL MIDFIELD

After the 2-1 win over Oldham, Johnson had an interesting response when asked whether this version of a 4-3-3 ultimately aligned with how he wants his Sunderland team to play in the long run.

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He said that the profiles of the central midfielders in that system would ideally be a six, an eight and a ten. The point he was making was that perhaps at the moment, he is lacking a bit of natural creativity with his current options.

He also said, though, that in this league energy and tenacity was no mad thing.

Days later the trio of Leadbitter, Power and Scowen excelled at Lincoln.

Johnson rates Scowen highly and Power had his best game for some time. Dan Neil and Elliot Embleton can bring craft, but Embleton is suited to playing a little higher and it's not yet clear whether Johnson deems Neil ready.

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So while not a major priority, it's not inconceivable that Johnson may look to bring in a different profile of midfielder, should circumstances allow.

WINGERS

The recall of Aiden McGeady has boosted Johnson's options in this department, but it's one area where the head coach might want to find some more pace.

In McGeady, Maguire and Embleton, Johnson has depth and creativity. He is eager, though, to be able to stretch opposition defences and that could lead to him exploring the market.

One wildcard has been the recent form of Jack Diamond.

The winger has shown a welcome ability to get to the byline and his pace has already yielded goals for Johnson.

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The head coach has already said that Diamond's rise could change his view on what he needs to do in the January window.

STRIKERS

Another area of the pitch where Johnson is looking for more pace.

Charlie Wyke was superb at Lincoln City and is very much the striker in possession as it stands. Johnson has said that he is open to playing two strikers, often fielding a variation of 4-4-2 at Bristol City.

That should lead to chances for Will Grigg, but the lack of raw speed is an issue Johnson wants to correct, and he has already hinted that he could look to the loan market.

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The potential issue is that even if there is a lack of variety, Johnson has four senior striking options on his books and as was the case last January, finding a suitor who can match the financial commitment will not be straightforward.

You suspect that Sunderland will feel they have to find some way of doing some business, and one interesting development will be the return of Benji Kimpioka to fitness.

Johnson has said that doesn't mind taking a chance on raw talent, if they can bring a different attribute.

Kimpioka certainly fits that bill, and he was in superb form for the U23s before the season started.

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