For Sunderland, the start to the season has been a very positive one on the whole. But cracks are steadily starting to appear in the side.
Regis Le Bris was dealt perhaps his biggest disappointment since arriving at the Stadium of Light last time out.
He watched his side go two goals in front before Sunderland eventually drew 2-2 with Coventry City, throwing away a couple of much-needed points.
Now for this November international break, the Black Cats have to share the top spot with Sheffield United who sit in 2nd place of the Championship table on goal difference.
Millwall are up next for the Black Cats. And for the game at The Den, Le Bris is without some key Sunderland players who are injured or suspended.
The going could quickly get tough for the Frenchman, but here we look at three players who need to be giving the Sunderland boss a bit more right now…
Nazariy Rusyn
Nazariy Rusyn has featured six times in the Championship this season, with all six of those appearances coming off the bench.
But he’s yet to make a lasting impression. Le Bris now hasn’t deployed the 26-year-old since the 2-0 win against Derby County in October, despite Rusyn being on the bench for every game since then.
Rusyn was reportedly unsettled at Sunderland in the summer. But if he wants to secure a good move away from the club, or even get back into Le Bris’ thinking, then he needs to take his chances when they come.
He could well be one who features at Millwall given the injuries.
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Aaron Connolly
Aaron Connolly promised a lot when Sunderland fans saw videos of him banging in goals for the club’s U21s.
But he’s yet to make an impression in the first-team, and his performance against last time out drew criticism.
Sunderland fans blasted Connolly’s performance against Coventry City. Likewise, Sunderland Echo gave him a 5/10 rating when he came off the bench, adding that the Irishman ‘struggled’ against the Sky Blues.
He’s been playing on the left and in the middle for Le Bris. But in neither position is Connolly yet to show his goal-scoring prowess.
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Alan Browne
On the whole, Alan Browne has proved to be a very useful signing, having now played 12 times in the Championship this season, scoring the one goal.
Browne has started the last three games for Sunderland. But in games against Preston and Coventry in particular, Browne really hasn’t looked his best.
The change in midfield shape may not be helping his cause, but the experienced midfielder really needs to be showcasing his Championship expertise and class when selected, especially during these tough veins of form.
Le Bris needs to see the Browne that shone when called upon earlier in the season.