Sunderland have made a strong start to life in League One, and they will almost certainly be in the promotion hunt by the end of the season. 

Jack Ross' side are currently sat 3rd in the League One table and many supporters will be hoping he is the man to guide them back into the Championship at the first time of asking.

It could be a potentially season-defining transfer window this month for the Black Cats and he'll be keen to hold onto his star players, so they can help play their part in their promotion push.

But how can we expect Sunderland to line-up after the transfer window with everyone fit?

Find out below....

This side is what Sunderland fans will be dreaming of, but it remains to be seen as to whether they will have all of these players available at one stage in the season.

There won't be wholesale changes to Jack Ross' side as they have already shown that they have one of the strongest teams on paper in League One after their impressive start to the season.

New signing Jimmy Dunne is likely to go straight into the starting XI to partner Jack Baldwin in the centre of defence, and he'll be hoping to make a good impression with a return to Burnley at the end of the season for the on-loan youngster.

Duncan Watmore is edging closer to full fitness, and if he can stay injury free, then Sunderland will have one of the best winger's in League One, and he'll be key for them this year.

Josh Maja has been the subject of increased speculation linking him with a move away from the club, but they will surely do everything they can to keep hold of their talisman.

Sunderland have also been linked with a move for Wigan striker, Will Grigg who has struggled for game time in the Championship, but would be an excellent addition for any League One side. (Daily Mail print edition, 8th January, page 72)

The forward has already shown he can score goals in his previous spells in League One with Wigan and he could be the missing piece in the jigsaw for Sunderland's promotion bid this season if he was to arrive.