This article is part of Football FanCast’s The Chalkboard series, which provides a tactical insight into teams, players, managers, potential signings and more… 

Sunderland are in desperate need of a win and though the visit to Gillingham provides a good chance to do just that, they will need their top players to perform.

Key battle

One man who is capable of granting his side the three points is Aiden McGeady, but there is always the question over which version Sunderland will get to see.

The Ireland international was arguably the man of the match the last time the two sides met at the Stadium of Light only a few weeks ago, and if he can replicate that showing the Black Cats would be well-placed to win the fixture.

That previous match-up ended in a draw but the winger opened the scoring for his side with a brilliant finish from outside the area, and he was a danger throughout before he almost won the game late-on with another good strike.

Barry Fuller was the man tasked with the responsibility of dealing with the 33-year-old on that occasion and it is fair the say he couldn’t quite get hold of the winger, and therefore a repeat display could see the match swing in Sunderland’s favour.

As his stats from WhoScored show, Fuller has struggled in several departments this season and that means Phil Parkinson should try and direct attacks down the left flank and get as many people as possible close to McGeady.

Giving the Irishman plenty of options is exactly what he needs to express himself, as it could create space for a shot or key pass, two avenues in which he has proven he can produce a decisive moment this term.

Finding him in the opponent’s final third will be key to Sunderland as he has the trickery to take on Fuller and perhaps pick out Will Grigg in the middle, as evidenced by his 1.7 successful dribbles per game, according to WhoScored.

Off the ball he could have an important presence too. Shutting down Gillingham quickly could be an effective strategy to win back possession, particularly Fuller who has achieved a pass accuracy of just 60%.

Parkinson needs to make his side difficult to beat but adding more aggression in attack and maintaining pressure for longer periods could be crucial, as something needs to be done to rectify a return of just six goals in the last nine games.