January is always an important month in the season -- on and off the field. While the Premier League fixtures come thick and fast as well as the return of the FA Cup, clubs have the chance to add to their squads in the transfer window.
Getting it right this month could be the difference between a title challenge or falling away, while clubs at the other end of the table will desperately seek improvements to retain their Premier League status.
As for Sunderland, here's a look at what lies in store for Gus Poyet's men ...
What do the Black Cats need this month?
The euphoria of a fourth successive derby win over Newcastle has not ended Poyet's squad headaches. In an indiscreet interview shortly before the victory at St James' Park, he cited in general terms the limitations of the players at his disposal and insisted it was not his fault. In a world free of injuries or suspensions, his preferred lineup might be considered a viable midtable team.
Costel Pantilimon has been excellent in goal, displacing Vito Mannone, the player of the season in Poyet's Great Escape from relegation last season. Seb Larsson and Lee Cattermole are buzzing in midfield and Adam Johnson offers rare, if inconsistent, quality as a winger. Tying Connor Wickham to a new contract was a smart move and Steven Fletcher contributes hugely even when not scoring.
The attack is goal shy, though, and that is an obvious weakness when midfielders are hardly scoring for fun. And the back four presents another serious problem; rock-like as John O'Shea and Wes Brown may be at their best, they -- and experienced French full-back, Anthony Reveillere -- are well into their 30s. The need in defence is not only for immediate cover, but to prepare for transition.
Poyet's priorities must be to bring in two dependable defenders, a quick or creative winger and a striker, though he would likely say such decisions are out of his hands and firmly the domain of owner Ellis Short and director of football Lee Congerton.
Talking targets -- who's in their sights?
Rumour has it that Sunderland's targets include a possible loan move for the Tottenham winger Andros Townsend, who made a name for himself with a man-of-the-match performance on his England international debut against Montenegro last year. He seemed to start this season in decent form, but has few opportunities under Mauricio Pochettino and might be a useful player. There's interest from QPR for Townsend where he has already played on loan, so attracting him could be a tall order.
Sunderland seem unlikely to launch another chase for Liverpool's Fabio Borini, a success on loan at the Stadium of Light last season but reluctant to leave Anfield except to return to Italy. More realistically, Burnley's England U21 international striker Danny Ings may be in Poyet's sights, much as Sean Dyche will want to hang in to him until his contract runs out in June.
Among the crop of others linked in early speculation are Arsenal's French striker Yaya Sanogo and Lasse Schone, Ajax's Danish winger or midfielder.
What do you expect Poyet to do?
It is not just the limited appeal of the far north to some footballers but Sunderland's stubborn history of relegation battles that hampers managers attempting to lure real talent to the club. A lot will depend on Poyet's ability to exploit the respect he commands in the game. But the raw truth is that every club is looking for men who will make or bring them goals or stop them being scored at the other end. Competition can force managers to lower their sights.
The Uruguayan coach is said to have handed his wish list to Congerton, whose decisions will rest largely on the money available, whether for fees or wages, and player preferences.
Poyet could take everyone by surprise by signing one or two players from overseas clubs who have not been mentioned but the history of Sunderland's transfer dealings has left the club's owner cautious about how much of his money to plough into the club.
Out the exit door
The time has finally come to acknowledge that if Jozy Altidore is to make it with a Premier League club, that team will not be Sunderland. His tireless effort cannot compensate for his failure to hit the back of the net. He offers nuisance value, worrying defenders with his burly frame and occasional neat touches, but this is effective only in attacks that have others scoring regularly. Perhaps a move would do Altidore and his desire to remain in contention for the United States a power of good.
With a threadbare squad, Sunderland can ill afford to lose too many men unless instant replacements are lined up. But there is a need to offload the Cape Verde midfielder Cabral, a Champions league player when at Basel and signed with such great hopes at the beginning of last season, and the Greek international winger Charis Mavrias. Will Buckley and Liam Bridcutt were beginning to look disappointing acquisitions from Poyet's old club, Brighton, but have lately done just enough to give cause to hope for better things.
Billy Jones has had a sorry time because of injuries since his arrival from West Brom, but his fitness problems would inevitably deter suitors.
Likely arrivals
Poyet knows he needs greater quality and depth. He will see part, not all, of his wish-list granted and will do well to pull off more than two or three new signings.