I think it is superb what the coaches and players have done to get us into contention when we have some big players out. Hume could be a real threat the way LJ sets the team up. Obviously Wright and McLaughlin are top defenders and will in turn give us more options in midfield when they return. I am also looking forward to seeing Stewart playing as there is a reason we forked out for him now when he was free in the summer - which was to beat other clubs at higher levels than us getting him. If we get Leadbitter back in as well then what a bonus. We could be in a really strong position going into last 8 or so games and able to freshen up more than others. That could really be key.
https://www.fansnetwork.co.uk/football/rochdale/news/54425/match-preview-sunderland-vs-rochdale This is the Rochdale fans preview. I hadn’t realise just how poor their form is.
We all have doubts about players from time to time mate. I just thought the constant changes at the back, a 3 or a 4, and personel problems didn't help. He's young enough, keeper-wise, to improve especially when he parries shots to the corners. But the full backs could help more in those circumstances. Power, especially, doesn't follow the ball in or the winger. That's cost us at least one goal this season at MK Dons when he just stood and watched Burge make a full length save leaving them a tap in. https://safc.com/news/team-news/2021/february/mk-dons/highlights-mk-dons-league
They’re not scoring, only 1 goal in their last 7 games so that suggests they’re happy to park the bus. It’s up to us to get at them from the off and get a goal as early as possible, do that and we’ll fill our boots. A comfortable 3-0 after our usual nervy start. Wyke x2 & Maguire Spot on thread RTB.
A scrappy 2-1 win sanderson 30 yard volley mcfadzean beats three men and chips the keeper from 20 yards ala Cantona
Surely, with the players we have, we should be passing around them, running at them and getting into their box. We have Leadbitter, McGeady, Gooch, Maguire, O'Nien who are all confident with the free kicks we'll win ... ... if they're intending to pack their box it's pointless launching endless crosses in there. Mixing it up would be ideal though, especially if we have Wyke and O'Brien getting their heads on balls.
I think there’d have been a big crowd there today if things were normal. In good form, Wembley next week, weather slowly improving.
On Burge, he looked as good as Big Jon, when he covered for him, and was left out unluckily imo as soon as Big Jon was fit, so at the beginning of the season Burges poor form was a shock, and the stand in was worse, its good to see that he has started to look like his old self again, lets hope he continues along those lines, but it would do no harm to give young Patterson a place on the bench now and again.
Good to see the young players coming into contention ... ... another today perhaps, could even start which would allow Johnson to play a more balanced side. Let's see eh SKP talking nonsense here imo. There’s no way you can drop anyone in that back four, or five when he changes it around. You’ve got to fight for your place. https://www.footballinsider247.com/...sunderland-starting-xi-after-big-development/
It was good to see Younger and Almond in that training video - one of those should be given the opportunity today. A bit strange that Burge was not there (or maybe I just missed him) It also looked like the first team v the U23s at the end there, Benji scoring too
Early goal please. Totally different game if that happens. They have about 6 players missing so there is no excuse other than a comfortable win
