Sunderland face a crucial clash in League One as they take on MK Dons this afternoon.

The Black Cats have already faced Russell Martin's side once this week after securing a 3-0 victory in the Papa John's Trophy quarter finals.

However it's in the league that the club will be really hoping to make an impression.

The Wearsiders have hopes of pushing towards promotion contention and a victory over the Dons will go a long way to pushing them in the right direction.

Here are some of the dilemmas that Lee Johnson faces against MK Dons.

Replacing Callum McFadzean

The full-back looks likely to miss the clash with MK Dons and so Lee Johnson has a big decision to make.

New signing Jake Vokins will be the likely contender to take his place, but there's every chance that the Sunderland boss could shuffle the pack as he looks to find a winning formula.

It'll be interesting to see what his solution is - particularly with three points in this one being an absolute must.

Central midfield dilemmas

There's plenty of decisions to make in the middle of the park for Lee Johnson.

Josh Scowen and Luke O'Nien started the clash against MK Dons midweek, but with the likes of Grant Leadbitter and Max Power also in contention it means that there's a big decision to be made.

Leadbitter seems like a likely contender to return, but Johnson has already surprised us once or twice this term with his selection so the same might happen again.

Attacking options

New signings mean new options - something that Lee Johnson will be delighted about.

Charlie Wyke was on the bench against MK Dons midweek, while Aiden McGeady also sat out the clash as Jordan Jones deputised.

With Aiden O'Brien, Lynden Gooch and Jack Diamond also competing for those attacking roles it'll be very interesting to see how the Sunderland boss picks his side with so many options available.