FOUR reasons for Sunderland fans to stay positive despite West Brom loss

However, there are still a number of reasons for Sunderland fans to remain positive as Christmas approaches despite losing to the Baggies at the Stadium of Light on Monday evening.

Dan Ballard and Ross Stewart are nearing returns

It has become a bit of a footballing cliche to say that players returning from lengthy injuries will be “like new signings”. However, in this case, I believe it to be true.

Ballard was signed from Arsenal in the summer for a decent fee. The plan was for the 23-year-old to play most games, he was the club’s marquee summer addition.

Ballard, though, picked up a fractured foot in his third league appearance for the club against QPR. He had looked great during those showings, too.

But the defender is now deep into his comeback and played for Sunderland’s under-21 team on Monday. His return to action for the seniors will be a welcome boost to Mowbray.

So too will the return of Stewart. The big striker hasn’t featured since September after picking up a muscle injury before the Middlesbrough game. Despite this, Stewart remains Sunderland’s joint-top scorer alongside Ellis Simms having missed the majority of the campaign.

The 26-year-old wasn’t fit enough to make the bench against West Brom but is thought to be close to a return to first-team action having featured in a reserve game recently.

Welcoming back a player of Stewart’s class and calibre will give everybody a lift: from his teammates and Sunderland fans to Mowbray and his staff at the Academy of Light.

Sunderland’s next chunk of fixtures looks kind on paper

I’m a firm believer that there aren’t many easy games in the Championship, and the clash against West Brom was testament to that. However, when looking at the fixture list over the festive period, there are points there to be won by Sunderland if they perform to their potential.

Sunderland are next in action against Hull City on Saturday away from home, with the Tigers currently way down the table and one position above the relegation spots.

Mowbray’s former side Blackburn come to Wearside on Boxing day with Rovers currently third. The Black Cats face two clubs in the relegation zone: Wigan Athletic and Blackpool.

League positions will not guarantee that Sunderland take maximum points from these games… far from it. However, if Mowbray’s men turn up there’s no reason why they couldn’t aim for a good return from the four clashes.

The January transfer window is just around the corner

Another reason for Sunderland fans to remain optimistic is the upcoming transfer window and the opportunity Kristjaan Speakman and Stuart Harvey have to strengthen Mowbray’s squad.

I think a striker would be at the top of most fans’ lists with cover for Corry Evans also a priority. It will certainly be interesting to see just how much activity the club engages in during January, with Mowbray recently tempering expectations for the window.

There are some questions surrounding the future of Stewart but it is thought to be unlikely that he would leave this time around.