Defoe role, Matete position & defensive dilemma - pick your strongest Sunderland XI after transfer window

After an embarrassing 6-0 loss against Bolton Wanderers last weekend that saw Lee Johnson pay the price with his job, Sunderland are back in action against Doncaster on Saturday and seeking to get their promotion bid back on track.

The managerial search is ongoing and no caretaker manager has been announced at this stage but interim bosses Mike Dodds and Michael Proctor have decisions to make on whether to ring the changes after such a bad defeat.

Of course, there is the matter of January signings looking to make their first starts as Patrick Roberts, Jack Clarke and Trai Hume will all be vying for places after being involved in the squad.

Jay Matete and Jermain Defoe joined on deadline day. Matete played regularly in midfield for Fleetwood and will likely be pushing for a start, while Defoe may not be deemed match fit at this stage but will play a big role in the remainder of the season.

But where do the new boys fit in, and who makes way?

We want you to pick your best Sunderland starting XI from the full Black Cats squad now the window is closed. Some, like Aiden McGeady, Nathan Broadhead and Luke O'Nien, have injury issues, of course, but in an ideal world. what's the best side and formation?

Use our interactive team selector above to pick your best XI, and compare that with the most popular side.