Bruce has made his mind up who its gonna be, will it be Turner and Bramble, both or neither? One thing for sure, if they are not ready don't play them, we don't need anymore injuries re-occuring like last season. STEVE Bruce admits the condition of Titus Bramble and Michael Turner has produced his main selection headache ahead of tomorrowâs Premier League opener. The central defensive pair came through Sunderlandâs pre-season campaign unscathed, with each boasting five appearances to their name after missing much of the second half of last year through knee injuries. But both looked understandably rusty during Sunderlandâs friendly schedule, with Bruce hinting at his team selection for tomorrowâs trip to Liverpool by naming Anton Ferdinand alongside Wes Brown in the final pre-season encounter at Hibernian last weekend. With John OâShea ruled out of the Anfield clash through injury, Bruce has been keen to have last seasonâs first-choice central defensive duo at his disposal. But the Sunderland boss insists Turner and Brambleâs precarious fitness must come into his thinking as he ponders his defensive options. Bruce said: âThe big thing for Titus and Michael was to get through pre-season and they are the biggest concern Iâve got at the moment. Theyâre both huge, big lads and they need to train, play and work, work, work to get back to their best. âBoth of them have been out for the best part of six months, which is serious stuff. âItâs going to take them more than six weeks of pre-season to fully recover. But theyâre getting there. We know what theyâre good at and capable of, so weâll see. âThe big thing Iâve got to do is consider who is medically right and who is ready to go. âIâve already made that decision in my mind, but Iâll confirm it today
I think Syds nailed it, unhappy as i am with Frankie on the left side. Connor may be used there as a sub.
Yip. Thats what I was thinking. Only other difference if he wanted more defensive was Anton at left back and Turner/Bramble in the middle. Cant bloody wait man!
I think Syd is right with our starting 11. I would have played Turner and Brown, I think Turner would deal better with Caroll but let's be honest we need 100% fit players so it might be a smart move to bring him back slowly. Left side is a worry.
Henderson will do enough of that........ Guess im the only one who is totally unimpressed with that defence, start of a new season and that is it........ Good job we have a good midfield.
I don't fear Henderson one bit. This will be a big game for him, and we all know where Jordan goes for the big games. ****ing hides in the bogs, or may as well.
I still think we need another defender and Onouha would fit the bill and he came in veyr handy last season when he had to cover CB, so Onouha on loan because I dont think he will make the 25 man City squad
Found this elsewhere. Sunderland defender Anton Ferdinand is reported to have turned down the chance to join the Blues (ipswich). Black Cats boss Steve Bruce is understood to have been willing to allow the former West Ham man to move on but the player is keen to fight for his place at the Stadium of Light. Ferdinand would appear to have dropped down the pecking order on Wearside after the summer signings of John O’Shea and Wes Brown
To be fair to Anton, he's had a few times when he could have moved, he's really determined to make it here it seems, great attitude.
Syd I suspect you are right and unfortunately I reckon O'Shea would be best to handle Miss Carol..but he is injured! Miss Carol will play on Anton who is poor in the air
