Games are fast running out for Sunderland and Chris Coleman. 

The former Wales boss described Tuesday's relegation six-pointer against fellow strugglers Bolton as Sunderland's "game of the season" but they suffered another defeat and are now rock bottom of the Championship.

That adds another layer of importance to tomorrow's match against North East rivals Middlesbrough, in a game that Chris Coleman, perhaps surprisingly, described as not a derby but a just a clash with a "team down the road".

Sunderland must have been hoping they could build on the momentum generated by the dramatic 3-3 comeback draw against Bristol City earlier this month but they have since suffered two defeats without scoring and something has to change.

With that in mind, we've taken a look at how the Black Cats should line up for the clash against Tony Pulis' Boro, in the 3-5-2 formation they have become accustomed to throughout this season.

Camp is a no-brainer between the sticks. He has been brought in to offer experience and changing the goalkeeper would probably unsettle a backline that is already struggling for confidence.

Jason Steele was close to the exit door in January and has been out of favour for so long that he is not genuine competition to Camp at this stage.

Browning gets the nod ahead of fellow Premier League loanee Jake Clarke-Salter because he has looked slightly more assured when he has been given the opportunity this season.

Clarke-Salter has struggled to get to grips with the pace and physicality of the Championship and Browning has that bit more experience that Sunderland need in the relegation battle.

Kone needs to step up and show leadership at Sunderland. He is their only defender of the right age - the rest are either too old or too young - and has the pace, power and experience of a Premier League defender.

There are question marks over his commitment and attitude but he is worth the gamble at this stage for Coleman and Sunderland will be hoping he responds.

O'Shea is one of the most experienced men in the dressing room but hasn't been able to tighten up the backline yet.

With another experienced player in Kone next to him, he might have a better chance of doing that but with his lack of pace, he needs to make sure he isn't left one against one at any stage - certainly not up against Adama Traore.

Jones may well be up against Patrick Bamford or Stewart Downing out wide and the pair's lack of pace means he might be emboldened to push on in this one to try to help the attack.

Another player with Premier League experience, he needs to show all of it now to help the younger players in the dressing room deal with the pressure of the relegation dogfight.

A north east derby seems like the perfect platform for Cattermole to belatedly put in a quality performance to get his season off the ground.

It should be a scrap in midfield and Cattermole will be looking to win his battle with Grant Leadbitter to help Sunderland get control of the game in the engine room.

Williams was on the bench while Coleman's bland choice of central midfielders toiled against Bolton and that is a mystery to me.

Coleman trusts the Welshman from their time together on the international scene and he has the quality and courage on the ball to change the dynamic of the Black Cats midfield. They need inspiration and he may just provide it.

Oviedo is in for a tough afternoon up against Boro flier Adama Traore who has pace to burn and is full of confidence right now.

He will need protection from his teammates as if he gets stuck on a one on one battle with the wideman too often, there only looks to be one winner and that is one area that will worry Coleman prior to the match.

Williams has quality on the ball and so does McGeady. Sunderland need a bit of courage on the ball to get out of trouble and those two would be the pair I would be looking to in order to provide it.

He can be inconsistent but he is a flair player who could just flourish with the freedom to roam from the top of midfield, getting on the ball and making things happen.

In the absence of Ashley Fletcher, who is ineligible because he is on loan from Boro, Coleman has little choice if he wants to stick with the front two.

He has to put his faith in youth and the pace of Asoro could cause Boro's physical and tall backline problems if he gets into space. Sunderland will certainly hope so. Maja has found himself out of the picture lately but he is an intelligent footballer of quality who should relish playing with Williams and McGeady.

With Asoro running in behind, that could create the space for him to move into, picking passes and bringing his team-mates into play.

What do you think of this potential lineup? Let us know in the comments below...