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:
9. RW - Lynden Gooch
The American has impressed so far this campaign on the right-hand side of Sunderland's attack. It would be extremely harsh of Lee Johnson to drop him. Photo: FRANK REID 2019
10. LW - Aiden McGeady
Despite the signing of Leon Dajaku, Aiden McGeady is likely to keep his place in the team against Accrington Stanley. Photo: FRANK REID 2020
11. ST - Ross Stewart
The striker has impressed so far this season and is one of the first names on Lee Johnson's teamsheet at the moment. Photo: FRANK REID 2020