Sunderland suffered a home defeat to Ipswich Town last time out, which pushed them even deeper into the relegation mire. 

That 2-0 reverse at the hands of their former manager Mick McCarthy leaves the Black Cats second bottom, above only Burton Albion, as they prepare to travel to Ashton Gate to take on Bristol City on Saturday afternoon.

The Robins are in the promotion push and while most people might have this one down as a home banker, Bristol City's form has slipped away over recent weeks.

The EFL Cup clashes with Manchester United and Manchester City look to have taken their toll on Lee Johnson's men both physically and mentally and they suffered a defeat last time out, away against struggling Bolton Wanderers.

Coleman doesn't have a great deal of options to go with as he looks to spring a surprise at Ashton Gate but we've taken a closer look at the team he should go with...

Camp was brought in on deadline day to add some experience to a Sunderland defensive unit that has been leaking far too many goals for years now.

He started against Ipswich and the long-term absence of Robbin Ruiter should see the veteran goalkeeper nail down the number one spot as the end of the season draws closer.

A clean sheet at Ashton Gate would be a great way to get his Sunderland career off the ground.

Jones is of course a right back or right wing back by trade but doubts over the fitness of Chelsea loanee Jake Clarke-Salter may mean that he is forced to deputise at centre-half again.

One positive of having a full back play on the right of a three-man defence is that he is comfortable going out into wider areas and that is something he may be forced to do against a lively Robins attack.

O'Shea is meant to offer experience and assurance at the back for Sunderland but he's struggled more and more as the years have rolled on.

Coleman doesn't have many alternatives though so he will be looking for the former Manchester United man to step up and try and inspire his team mates in order to avoid a second straight relegation, starting on Saturday.

In the aforementioned Clarke-Salter and Browning, Coleman has two promising defenders who are looking to prove their worth to Premier League managers.

They are both raw talents who need a bit of guidance - which has been tough given Sunderland's predicament this season - but if Coleman can get them both playing between now and the end of the season, they might have enough to stay up.

Jones being called upon at the heart of defence means that former Celtic man Matthews should get the nod at right wing back ahead of Donald Love.

It will be a big test for him up against Joe Bryan, who has been mightly impressive this season, but if he can keep him quiet, it would go a long way towards Sunderland getting a positive result.

Ejaria is highly-rated at Anfield and the time has come for him to prove that he can do the business at senior level week in, week out.

He will be charged with adding energy and getting up in support of the front two where possible and that youthful exuberance is something Coleman will need during the tense closing months of the season.

Cattermole is an experienced player who has seen it all at Sunderland and he will be the main one looking to ensure that Bristol City's midfield runners are unable to burst through and link with the attack to devastating effect.

Keeping his discipline - both positionally and in the tackle - is the key for the former Middlesbrough man here, otherwise he could be exposed by an energetic home engine room.

Coleman's need to rely on young players to get him out of trouble is clear and Robson is yet another of those.

We've talked about how Cattermole will need to play well in order to avoid getting overrun in midfield and he will be looking to Robson to assist him in stopping that from happening.

It's a big job for two young players - Ejaria and Robson - in there and they will need all their energy to overcome their inexperience and win the midfield battle.

Oviedo has a wealth of Premier League and international experience and is perfectly suited to a wing-back role.

Lots of Bristol City's width comes from the other side, with Josh Brownhill inclined to tuck in a bit more so Oviedo may have some joy tomorrow if he can get free and bomb on down the left.

His delivery will need to be good in order to make chances for the front two if he does get into position but the Costa Rican is an outlet Coleman may look to use.

Fletcher is still learning his trade but has been thrust into the role of senior striker at Sunderland and that is massive responsibility at a struggling club.

Sunderland might have to go long at times tomorrow and that may suit Fletcher, although it will be a real battle for him to get the better of Aden Flint in the air.

He needs to make sure he is close to strike partner Asoro, who may profit from his flick-ons, as the pair look set to be forced to feed off scraps again.

Another young player Coleman will need to rely on in the relegation dog fight, Asoro's pace is his main weapon.

If he can get free, he may be the biggest dangerman Sunderland take to Ashton Gate tomorrow, but he will need to keep his composure and take his chances - he won't get many.

His burgeoning relationship with Fletcher is key, to give Sunderland an out ball and a threat on the break and while it could be a long afternoon of chasing for him, he needs to be ready if and when a chance comes his way.