Sam Allardyce considering Sunderland formation change to accommodate Jermain Defoe

New Sunderland boss Sam Allardyce has revealed that he will consider a 4-4-2 formation in order to accommodate Jermain Defoe in his starting lineup.

Defoe has scored two goals in six league appearances for the Black Cats this season, but spent the final two games of Dick Advocaat's reign as manager on the bench and is hoping for more playing time under Allardyce.

Asked if he would consider a 4-4-2 formation to accommodate both Defoe and Steven Fletcher, Allardyce said: "It's something that has preyed on my mind. Where do you get the opportunity to play 4-4-2 nowadays? Not very often.

"I'll have to try to work that out. But if the other eight players can cope behind a Steven Fletcher and Jermain Defoe partnership, then it's a possibility.

"If they can't cope, then it might mean that Fletcher and Defoe score, but the opposition score three. If we only score two, then it's a waste of time."

Sunderland are next in Premier League action against West Bromwich Albion on Saturday.