Sunderland’s head coach has been nominated for August’s League One Manager of the Month award – along with three other candidates.
The Black Cats have won four of their first five league games, beating Wigan, MK Dons, AFC Wimbledon and Wycombe and sit top of the table.
A 1-0 defeat at Burton was the only match Sunderland didn’t win in August.
Burton boss Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink, Wycombe manager Gareth Ainsworth and Leam Richardson of Wigan have also been nominated for the Manager of the Month award, with the winner set to be announced on Friday.
Despite a strong start to the season, no Sunderland players were nominated for the League One Player of the Month award.
The four nominations included Oxford midfielder James Henry, Portsmouth’s Ryan Tunnicliffe, Morecambe striker Cole Stockton and Sheffield Wednesday goalkeeper Bailey Peacock-Farrell.
Sunderland striker Ross Stewart is the division’s joint top scorer, along with Henry and Stockton, with four goals but wasn’t included on the shortlist.
Here, though, we take a look at the team Lee Johnson could pick against Accrington Stanley:
1. GK: Ron-Thorben Hoffmann
Lee Johnson has a big decision to make in goal three first-team options at his disposal. Will he opt for Hoffmann? Time will tell. Photo: Alexander Hassenstein
2. RB: Niall Huggins
The right-back position is up for grabs with both Niall Huggins and Carl Winchester in the running. The youngster is the more natural defender, however. Photo: Frank Reid
3. LB: Dennis Cirkin
The former Tottenham man has done well when given the opportunity since signing in the summer. Photo: Frank Reid
4. CB: Bailey Wright
Could we see Bailey Wright get the nod from the start over Tom Flanagan? It is an interesting one. Photo: FRANK REID 2020