Dick Advocaat is the man who is charged with the task of keeping Sunderland away from the relegation zone this season. To start propelling in the right direction, Sunderland will need to sharpen up considerably in front of goal, be more consistent at the back and probably not wait until March before showing any decent form.
John O’Shea and Wes Brown will have their work cut out with the arrival of Sebastian Coates and Younes Kaboul, who will fight for a place in the heart of defence. Adam Matthews, an arrival from Celtic, will also add competition at full back. Meanwhile Emmanuele Giaacherini and Jack Rodwell must improve this year, with big rice tags and reputations to justify; they may just prove to be like two new signings if they find their best form.
The imminent arrival of Yann M’Vila may enable Lee Cattermole to adopt a slightly more attacking midfield role, and arguably the most important business by Lee Congerton this summer was getting the midfielder to agree to a six-year contract extension. Advocaat calls the player worthy of an England cap “our controller” and expect Cattermole to continue to be at the heart of the Sunderland midfield this term.
Key Man: Jeremain Lens – The Marquee signing for Sunderland this summer in an £8 million move from Dynamo Kiev. The winger known for his pace and creativity is exactly what Sunderland have been lacking in recent years.
Lens’ arrival and assists will hopefully influence another key man in Jermain Defoe whose goals will be vital in keeping Sunderland away from the drop zone. With Connor Wickham now at Crystal Palace, Steven Fletcher, Defoe and Danny Graham are left to lead the line this year. With most of their money recouped by the sale of Wickham, Sunderland now have the opportunity from now till the end of the transfer window to invest in a specialist attacking midfielder, with Adnan Januzaj linked on loan.
With little risk due to minimal capital investment, Sunderland have the opportunity to progress this season without the pressure of recouping on their outlay. With their new signings and Dick Advocaat around for this season, the Dutchman’s continued presence should hopefully at least ensure that the long-suffering fans finally have something to celebrate this season.
Last Season: 16th
5 Key Games: Leicester City (Away, 8/8/15), Newcastle United (Home, 25/10/15 & Away 19/3/16), Manchester City (Away, 26/12/15) & Watford (Away, 15/5/16)
ReadSunderland Prediction: With Advocaat in charge and the new signings in the team Sunderland have the potential to do a lot better than the last few years. Dedication and resilience of the likes of Cattermole, Lens and Defoe will be key – 12th
