2 Sunderland dilemmas facing Alex Neil during this international break

Sunderland have looked a different side under Alex Neil having rediscovered their early season consistency under the Scotsman following the sacking of Lee Johnson. 

The Black Cats have lost just once under Alex Neil, and have kept four clean sheets in their last five games. In the draws against Charlton and Lincoln, they should have won on the balance of chances but both games end up goalless.

So, there’s argument there for obvious progression under Neil with North-East side looking more consistent and much harder to beat.

However, they currently sit in 6th on 67 points, with just one point separating them and Wycombe in 8th. It means the next seven games for Sunderland are massive when it comes to shaping the playoff picture.

With that in mind then, here are two dilemmas, here are two dilemmas Alex Neil could be mulling over during this break in fixtures.

Replacing Jermain Defoe

Jermain Defoe’s retirement came out of the blue after Sunderland worked hard to bring in the former England striker from Rangers in January.

Defoe managed just seven appearances in his second spell at the Stadium of Light and his subsequent retirement has left Neil with just one recognised striker in Ross Stewart.

The matter is made worse by the January departure of Aiden O’Brien, meaning if an injury was to occur to Ross Stewart, the leagues current top goalscorer, their playoff hopes will take a huge dent.

That being said, Neil has to find a way to ease the burden on Stewart by utilising his squad and getting more from it than he didn’t expect. The international break is the perfect chance to do that and he does have options.

Nathan Broadhead is returning from injury and is versatile enough to deputise upfront if needed, Lyndon Gooch possibly