I wouldn't have Grant and McGeogh in the same line-up. One or the other with Robson ,( maybe Power), alongside for some height, drive & shooting prowess
Mags at the Sunderland match in their shirts ... .... the Sunderland lads I know have been on the drink all day, hope they batter the idiots.
No idea tbh, we need to be making more chances. We won't know until Oxford but that 2nd was poor after what had been a good start.
Sunderland’s pre-season tour of Portugal, sponsored by UK Asbestos Specialists Limited, continued with a narrow defeat against Belenenses on Saturday evening. The Lads created plenty of chances in an open first half, while the Portuguese outfit struck the crossbar. Calila scored the only goal of the contest with 57 minutes on the clock, and plenty of changes followed the hour mark, including the timely return of Max Power. Next stop, the Stadium of Light for a showdown with Dutch side Heerenveen next Saturday (KO 7.30pm). Sunderland once again lined up in a 3-4-3 formation, with Jon McLaughlin shielded by a back three of Jordan Willis, Tom Flanagan and Conor McLaughlin. Denver Hume and Luke O’Nien featured at wing back, while Dylan McGeouch and Grant Leadbitter were tasked with pulling the strings, as Duncan Watmore and Elliot Embleton backed up Will Grigg. The first opening of the game arrived quickly, as Embleton fed Watmore and forward flashed an effort wide after being closed down by one-time Black Cat Mika. Grigg saw an effort squirm across goal and to safety shortly after, as Watmore continued to menace and give his full-back a torrid time. Belenenses responded through Matija, who sent a 25-yard free-kick crashing against the crossbar, but the Lads volleyed back instantly, with Hume’s low drive forcing a save before Flanagan’s header was well-held. It remained goalless at the break, but the Portuguese outfit were forced to defend once again after the restart. Great play from Watmore, who was a standout performer throughout his appearance, was followed by a quality final ball, but a flying save denied Embleton. However, after a sustained spell of pressure, the Black Cats were caught out, as Calila broke the offside trap and finished well for the opener. Seven changes arrived in the stages that followed, with the most notable seeing Power, who limped off in the Play-Off Final, return to action ahead of schedule. It remained 1-0 to the Portuguese side, but the travelling red and white army didn’t seem to mind too much, as the Lads continued to build ahead of the new campaign. Player Ratings: Here's how Chronicle reporter James Hunter rated the Sunderland players in the defeat. JON McLAUGHLIN 6 Could do nothing about the goal, otherwise barely had a save to make CONOR McLAUGHLIN 6 Did well on the right side of the back three JORDAN WILLIS 7 Pace a huge asset playing in the middle of the back three TOM FLANAGAN 6 Comfortable on the left-hand side of the three-man defence, and brought a save out of Mika LUKE O'NIEN 6 A decent first half in the wingback role GRANT LEADBITTER 6 Controlled the game in the middle of the park DYLAN McGEOUCH 6 Did OK without standing out DENVER HUME 6 Had a decent game but it was his mistake that led to the goal DUNCAN WATMORE 7 Very lively and created three excellent chances – none of which were taken WILL GRIGG 5 Saw a chance blocked in the early stages, otherwise looked off-colour ELLIOT EMBLETON 7 Brought a save out of the keeper early in the second half and caused Belenenses problems SUBS ALIM OZTURK 6 For Willis 67mins. Fresh legs when Willis tired in the final quarter of the game BENJI KIMPIOKA 6 For Watmore 67mins. Couldn't help Sunderland find an equaliser CHARLIE WYKE 5 For Grigg 67mins. Made no impact CHRIS MAGUIRE 6 For McGeouch 72mins. Could not inspire his team MAX POWER 6 For Leadbitter 72mins. Eased back into action ahead of schedule after injury LYNDEN GOOCH 6 For Embleton 72mins. Did OK RUBEN SAMMUT 6 For Hume 72mins. A decent, if short, run-out
WILL GRIGG 5 Saw a chance blocked in the early stages, otherwise looked off-colour Sums up his time with us, he reminds me of Ronaldo in the France 98 final, plays like his boots are weighted. He needs to improve, Ross said he wasn't injured for the back end of last season so no excuses now. Great to hear that Watmore is playing well, he'll be our secret weapon this year if Grigg and Wyke can wake up and start anticipating his low crosses.
Embleton an Watmore could be like new signings for us this season... Fingers crossed they both adapt to League One quickly
Very much like Steven Fletcher after his injury problems, Grigg cleverly hides behind defenders, making it impossible to play him in, he looks finished to me. What should we do, for me stick with Wyke for the time being maybe, or even give Kimpioka a run, he's no Maja and never will be, but at least he is mobile. And as for Grigg, ask for our money back, we were sold a dud.
