Alex Neil's side will face two challenging friendlies while in the Algarve, against Rangers on Saturday night and then Roma on Wednesday morning.Having played behind closed doors last weekend, this will be the first opportunity fans have had to take a closer look at their team since that famous Wembley win.With that in mind, we've taken a look at some of the key themes likely to emerge…
5. HOW IS NIALL HUGGINS FARING?
Huggins made a very positive impression in his early appearances after joining from Leeds United, impressing in both full back positions in League One and particularly in the Carabao Cup. Quick, tenacious and comfortable carrying the ball, he looked an exciting prospect.
Some serious injuries followed, which the player himself felt was probably a reflection of his disjointed pre-season as he waited on a move. Huggins had been aiming for a pre-season return earlier this year, and has flown out to Portugal with the group. However, it's still at this stage unclear just how big a part he can realistically be expected to play through the opening months of the season. Photo: Frank Reid
6. MIGHT ANY PLAYERS BE MOVING POSITION THIS SEASON?
Pre-season often sees players operating out of position and with a lot of recruitment work still to be done, it will be no different for Sunderland in Portugal.
Luke O'Nien, for example, may well drop into an occasional defensive role as Neil balances the workload of his senior options.
All the same, it will be interesting to see if there is any hint of players making a more permanent switch.
Lynden Gooch and Carl Winchester both did well at right back last season, for example, but may be eager for a chance to impress in their more established positions. Photo: FRANK REID 2021
7. CAN JACK DIAMOND MAKE HIS MARK?
Sunderland have another decision to make over Diamond this summer.
Harrogate Town made a move to bring him back to the club after a very successful loan last season, where he regularly produced goals and assists. Sunderland rejected that move, with the League Two side of the belief that the Black Cats will want as a minimum a League One switch for the upcoming campaign.
For now, though, Diamond is getting a valuable chance to impress Alex Neil.
The club want to bring Jack Clarke back from Spurs, and so in the meantime there is an obvious space for a right-footed winger capable of driving infield from the left as Clarke does. Photo: FRANK REID 2022
8. IS DAN NEL READY TO GO AGAIN?
Neil had, all things considered, an outstanding season last time out.
He made his senior breakthrough, returned to the youth international set up, and produced a significant number of goals and assists across the campaign. When Alex Neil arrived he felt the youngster was one of a number of players at risk of burnout. When the team's form then began to improve, it made it almost impossible 20-year-old to fight his way back in.
So it will be fascinating to see whether the immensely talented midfielder can force his way in after a chance to rest and refresh. Photo: FRANK REID 2022