Our Sunderland AFC writers pick Phil Parkinson's strongest team - with four weeks until the big kick-off

And while Sunderland are hopeful of having some further new additions among their ranks come September 12, a debate continues as to what forms the club’s strongest squad as things stand.

Here, two of our Sunderland AFC writers pick what squad they believe is the strongest at Parkinson’s disposal – as things stand:

Phil Smith

Strongest XI (3-4-3): Burge; Willis, Wright, Flanagan; O'Nien, Power, Scowen, Hume; Maguire, Gooch, O'Brien

With Sunderland's squad still relatively thin, much of Phil Parkinson's side picks itself.

Perhaps the only two real areas of debate as it stands are in central midfield, where Josh Scowen will be hoping to break up the partnership between George Dobson and Max Power that Parkinson has so often used in his time on Wearside.

The other is exactly where Aiden O'Brien is going to fit into the side.

O'Brien sees himself as a central striker, and there is no doubt that the Black Cats need more pace and a greater willingness to stretch the game in the final third.

Parkinson, though, has been steadfast in selecting Charlie Wyke and has talked up O'Brien's output for Millwall while playing in a more withdrawn position.

Sunderland's squad more generally is an interesting position.

Parkinson is by and large back to the core of the group that performed relatively consistently after Christmas but fell short of the pace required for automatic promotion.

It is not a summer where many clubs will be investing heavily, if at all, but he has lost his first choice goalkeeper and still needs five more additions to have a squad capable of coping with the rigours of what is set to be an exceptionally demanding schedule next season.

Sunderland made an encouraging start in that regard but progress has stalled and amid the salary cap vote and takeover uncertainty, there are concerns as to whether the quality required will be landed.

One hopes an upside of all of this will be a proper opportunity for Elliot Embleton, and perhaps for Jack Diamond too.

Mark Donnelly

Strongest XI (3-4-3): Burge; Wright, Willis, Flanagan; O’Nien, Power, Dobson, Hume; Gooch, Maguire, O’Brien

I’ve only made a single change from the side that Phil has picked, with Sunderland’s thin squad giving little option for rotation.

The back three and goalkeeper effectively pick themselves at the moment and, while depth is undoubtedly needed, it’s a strong-looking defensive unit and the back three is the same combination that yielded some positive results for the Black Cats during their purple patch at the start of 2020.

It would be a major surprise to see either of the wing-backs change given their impressive form towards the end of the season – with no direct competition for Hume as things stand regardless.

In midfield, Parkinson will a real decision to make. I’ve stuck with the Power-Dobson partnership that, for the most part, worked well withing the 3-4-3 system. It brings plenty of energy and the pair seemed to be striking up a strong understanding as the season drew to a close.

We have yet to get a proper look at Josh Scowen though, but his pedigree suggests that he could well prove an effective option in the centre of the park.

Up front, there is a big call for Parkinson to make.

While Charlie Wyke has been a regular since his arrival on Wearside, the arrival of O’Brien offers Sunderland a different dimension in the forward areas and one which most supporters would like to see explored.

I’ve been a fierce defender of the striker, but goals win games – and Sunderland haven’t been scoring enough of them since the departure of Josh Maja.

O’Brien, therefore, deserves an opportunity.

What do you think is Sunderland’s best squad as things stand? Tweet us @sunechosafc to let us know your thoughts!

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