Sunderland haven't played a league fixture since their 1-0 home victory over Southend two weeks ago. 

Since then, Phil Parkinson's side have struggled in the cup competitions, losing two and drawing one in the last three games.

Parkinson has struggled to bring any real consistency to the Black Cats since arriving last month to replace Jack Ross and the team are still finding it difficult to put together a good run of form.

Sunderland are just one point off the play-offs currently and will return to league action next weekend as they face Coventry at home.

Parkinson will be hoping a break from the league fixtures will give his side a chance to re-group and push for promotion on their return to League One duty.

Here are two hot and two not at Sunderland heading into the international break.

Hot - Luke O'Nien 

O'Nien is a popular member of the Sunderland squad, and an important one at that.

Capable anywhere down the right-hand side, as well as in the No.10 role, O'Nien is key to this Sunderland squad.

He's in good form too, with three goals and two assists in League One.

Hot - Chris Maguire 

In a team of under-performing and inconsistent players, Chris Maguire has performed well for Sunderland this season.

He currently leads the scoring charts at the club with six goals in all competitions and two assists.

Maguire has put in a number of good performances, even when the team have lost or not played well, particularly in the 1-0 loss to Shrewsbury last month where Maguire looked threatening and consistently won back possession for his side.

Not - Phil Parkinson 

Parkinson has come in to replace Jack Ross, but he's hardly enjoyed a good start to life with Sunderland.

In all competitions, Sunderland have failed to win in three, which has left Parkinson with only two victories since taking over.

It is far from ideal for a man in the dugout who didn't convince everyone.

Not - Will Grigg

As an experienced goal scorer at this level, Will Grigg will be disappointed with his goal return this season for Sunderland.

Grigg has only scored one goal and got one assist in 15 league appearances for the Black Cats this season leaving the question whether Phil Parkinson will persist with the veteran striker or look for alternative options in his squad, such as Mark McNulty.