Sunderland face a tricky test as they travel to face MK Dons on Saturday afternoon.

Russell Martin's side have struggled so far this term and sit just three points about the League One relegation zone as they prepare to take on the Black Cats.

While Sunderland are favourites on paper, it will no doubt be a tough test for Phil Parkinson's side.

The Wearsiders sit in seventh place in the league and they'll be hoping for a positive result in order to propel themselves firmly into contention for a play-off place.

Parkinson's side are on a run of six games without defeat, but who will the manager select as they look to extend their unbeaten run? We take a look at some of the options.

Sunderland's 4-0 victory over Wycombe Wanderers was a real statement of intent.

That means that it would be foolish for Phil Parkinson to make unnecessary changes to his starting XI for the clash with MK Dons.

Jon McLaughlin has looked a lot more solid in recent weeks and so he fully deserves to start in goal.

Tom Flanagan, Alim Ozturk and Jordan Willis were hugely impressive against the Chairboys, and flanked by Luke O'Nien and Denver Hume down the flanks, it seems that Phil Parkinson has finally found a winning formula.

While signing a midfielder remains a priority, George Dobson and Max Power have looked strong in recent weeks and deserve to operate the engine room once again this weekend.

Can you name every Sunderland player's shirt number this season? 

 

While Kyle Lafferty is expected to feature this weekend, I'd be surprised if he was handed a start.

Lynden Gooch, Chris Maguire and Charlie Wyke have combined extremely well in recent weeks, and it'd be a big surprise if Phil Parkinson didn't keep the faith with the trio.

That said, it's great to have competition for places again and I'm sure that Lafferty and Will Grigg will be determined to take their opportunity if they are afforded a chance against MK Dons.