Transfers, tactical tweaks and striker solutions: Phil Parkinson's key priorities over Sunderland's extended break

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It has been a promising start to the season, with the Black Cats currently unbeaten after a tricky opening four fixtures, but there is plenty of room for improvement.

And while there is an EFL Trophy game with Carlisle United on the horizon, the main focus over this break will be addressing some key areas ahead of the visit to Swindon Town on October 17.

So what will be the key priorities facing Parkinson over the League One hiatus? We take a look:

Phil Parkinson's key priorities over Sunderland's extended break

The transfer market

By the time the Black Cats next take to the field in the third tier, the transfer window will have fully closed.

So you would hope that Sunderland would have at least a couple of additional names available for that trip to Swindon.

A left-sided defender is a must, with some cover for Denver Hume required, while a young centre back to fill the void left by Morgan Feeney is also an area being watched by Parkinson and his team.

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Over and above that, another attacking player could yet be recruited – with Sunderland’s interest in Mateo Bajamich having been well-documented.

There could yet be outgoings too, with Aiden McGeady free to move to a new club after falling out of favour.

Parkinson is set to take stock of the market in the aftermath of the trip to The Valley, and his focus over the next fortnight will likely be on adding to his squad.

Tactical tweaks and solving the striker problem

Sunderland’s 3-4-1-2 shape has served them well this season, and defensively the Black Cats look as strong a unit as any in League One.

But it’s in forward areas where the Wearsiders are lacking, with things not quite clicking in the final third thus far.

We’ve seen Parkinson subtly tinker with his shape on a number of occasions, to bring the best out of individuals or to set the side up for certain opponents, and it wouldn’t be a surprise if there were some more tweaks to come as he looks to bring out the best in the Black Cats’ forward line.

There are a number of talented attacking players in the squad, but Sunderland now just need to ensure they get the best out of them.

Assessing the young players

We've seen Jack Diamond handed a place on the bench in the last two games but, with Chris Maguire nearing a return to fitness, he may well drop out of contention in the coming weeks.

Benji Kimpioka is now back on Wearside too, while Anthony Patterson looks ready for senior involvement at some level.

Parkinson will now have to weigh-up whether these players are best-served remaining at the Academy of Light, or heading out on loan.

That may be a process that spans far longer than this next fortnight, but it’s a thought process which will no doubt begin in the coming days.

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