Chris Coleman will have his feet firmly under the table at the Stadium of Light, with the former Welsh boss surely coming to the realisation of the task at hand at Sunderland this season.  

It has to be said that Sunderland have looked better since Coleman’s appointment, but his side are still likely to find themselves fighting towards the bottom end of the table unless there is a drastic change in the New Year.

The likelihood is we will see Coleman turn to the January transfer window to bolster his options, with the hope that whatever additions are made can help the Sunderland in their fight to maintain their second-tier status.

There are plenty of players at the Stadium of Light not pulling their weight, and as likely as it is that we will see additions, we are sure to see some departures in the New Year.

With that in mind, here is a look at TWO players Coleman must axe in early 2018…

Lee Cattermole

Sunderland’s long-serving midfielder has struggled this season, with Cattermole failing to impress despite making the step down to the Championship with the Black Cats.

The 29-year-old has his qualities, but Sunderland are looking far more effective without him in the team.

His departure could be part of Coleman’s overhaul.

Lamine Kone

Sam Allardyce has been linked with a reunion with Kone, and you feel that any respectable offer Sunderland receive for the defender will be accepted by the club.

Kone will be on big wages at the Stadium of Light, and Coleman will be keen to cash-in to bolster his own transfer kitty in the New Year.

The defender hasn’t done enough for Sunderland this season, and hasn’t looked up for the battle that Championship football can often throw at you.