Sunderland are stepping up their preparations ahead of the new Championship campaign – but what is their strongest available XI?
The Black Cats have made several new signings this summer and could still strengthen in the transfer market over the next month.
Head coach Tony Mowbray is still dealing with multiple injury issues, though, with Corry Evans, Ross Stewart, Elliot Embleton, Jay Matete and Aji Alese set to miss the start of the campaign.
Defender Jenson Seelt has also been managing an ankle issue.
Ahead of the side’s season opener against Ipswich on August 6, we’ve put together what we think is Sunderland’s strongest XI and bench – only including players currently available.
Head coach Tony Mowbray is still dealing with multiple injury issues, though, with Corry Evans, Ross Stewart, Elliot Embleton, Jay Matete and Aji Alese set to miss the start of the campaign.
![There is competition for places at centre-back following the summer arrivals of Triantis and Jenson Seelt, both 20, this summer.](https://www.sunderlandecho.com/webimg/b25lY21zOmJiNWY0MjBjLWQ2YjQtNDVjNC1iYjcyLWQ5YmI4YzAyMTQ3MTo1ZTliOGNlYi02ZWNkLTQ0NDMtOGI2NS1jYjdjZDZlY2ZiMWQ=.jpg?crop=3:2&width=800)
13. SUB: Nectarios Triantis
There is competition for places at centre-back following the summer arrivals of Triantis and Jenson Seelt, both 20, this summer. Photo: SAFC
![O’Nien is now predominantly viewed as a centre-back at Sunderland but can play in multiple positions.](https://www.sunderlandecho.com/webimg/b25lY21zOmZlNTA1ZTI2LWFjMzgtNGJiNS05NWNkLTQ4MWM3OWY4MDgwMjpmZjE1ZmJlNC1jYmU3LTQwNjYtYmU1MS1mODM4NjE3NmM4OGU=.jpg?crop=3:2&width=800)
14. SUB: Luke O’Nien
O’Nien is now predominantly viewed as a centre-back at Sunderland but can play in multiple positions. Photo: Frank Reid
![Like O’Nien, Gooch’s versatility has proved valuable for the Black Cats in recent seasons.](https://www.sunderlandecho.com/webimg/b25lY21zOjllZjg3YmE0LWQxMjItNGFkYy04Mjg2LWMzYzkwMmI4MGJkYTo4ZjQ2NDZmNC1lMTZkLTQzZTYtYWE1NS0zNjg3OTlkNWI2M2E=.jpg?crop=3:2&width=800)
15. SUB: Lynden Gooch
Like O’Nien, Gooch’s versatility has proved valuable for the Black Cats in recent seasons. Photo: Frank Reid
![Still only 17, Bellingham can operate in a central midfield position or as a No 10.](https://www.sunderlandecho.com/webimg/b25lY21zOmNjODU5MDBiLThmOWUtNDM0Yi05NjUyLWMwZTFiYjUwYWI2OTo4MjZiMjMwMS00NWI0LTRkODEtOTFjZC0wYmQ0OWEzZDUzOTI=.jpg?crop=3:2&width=800)
16. SUB: Jobe Bellingham
Still only 17, Bellingham can operate in a central midfield position or as a No 10. Photo: SAFC