Sunderland MUST consider resting key player and hand these two fringe players a chance

And if that means Sunderland dropping a few that may have got a bit comfortable then so be it.

Somebody, like Jay Matete for instance, could come in and do a good job if we are looking at becoming a bit more secure.

Perhaps having a look at Trai Hume at the back may give the team a little freshness, while giving the other lads who have been playing a lot of football a much needed rest.

Lynden Gooch has done really well in his new role and it’s a huge credit to him how he has turned himself into a different player to suit the team’s system.

However, he has played a lot of football and a little rest may revitalise him too.

Also, I was impressed with Hume in pre-season and I am slightly surprised he hasn’t featured more.

There’s a month until the break for the World Cup and it’s important the team keep picking up points between now and then.

There aren’t huge problems but sometimes when a win hasn’t come for a while a team can lose that bit of confidence, hence why a few changes may be the remedy.

If Sunderland can put some points on the board over the next four weeks it will be a good platform for the team to go off after the break.

At this stage, we will be hopeful that Ross Stewart and Ellis Simms will be back to fitness and amongst the goals.