With Sunderland's relegation to League One came a surprising sense of optimism that they may finally be about to get back on track. 

After relegation from the Premier League at the end of the 2016/17 season came a second consecutive drop as the Black Cats finished rock bottom of the Championship as well.

But with the appointment of Jack Ross as manager and the arrival of new owners, there is a sense that things are getting back on track for the North East club.

There are still some worries for Sunderland fans, however.

Despite being favourites to win the division there are three still issues that need to be fixed sooner rather than later at the Stadium of Light.

There is a massive shortage of attacking talent at the disposal of Ross.

At the moment they have just two striking options in Joel Asoro and Josh Maja, both of whom are just 19-years-old.

Sunderland will need to add an experienced goalscorer to their disposal if they are going to escape the division at the first time of asking.

There is also a lack of defensive protection from the Black Cats' midfield.

With Didier NDong looking set to leave, Lee Cattermole is left as the only defensive midfielder in the squad and there is already a debate on whether he is good enough as well.

There are no shortage of players capable of operating on the right wing for Sunderland.

Duncan Watmore, Aiden McGeady, Callum McManaman and Chris Maguire are all available to play there, but there are no options when it comes to the left.

An imbalance in midfield could prove to be a downfall of Sunderland and Ross if it is not addressed.