Match Day Thread Sunderland AFC v Saudi State FC - FA Cup 3rd Round – Saturday 6th January 2024 - KO 12:45

Ekwah was good in 2 of the last 5 games but poor in the other 3. Consistency is his challenge - like he wakes up on it some days and some days really not. That first play off game v Luton he was class. I’m hoping he’s in that mood. I think our midfield can compete but the premier league brings added quality in final ball or finish and that’s what may undo us if we don’t hit a seam on the day in that final third.

 

Is it wrong to hope someone snaps that little Brazilian ****er. Nothing would make my day better than seeing him crying while we celebrate

 

This game is a bit of a nuisance imo, I'd rather we were concentrating on the league and I hope we don't pick up any injuries.

Other than that I hope we put on a good show, win or lose, and go ahead at some point.

Newcastle won't be looking forward to this game whereas we can just have a good day out come what may.

I'd like to see us win but would swap it for a win at Ipswich.

 

No it's not wrong to hope for that at all.

 

Hopefully we give them a scare, but cannot see anything other than an away win. Still looking forward to the game. Hhhaaawwwwaaaaayyyyyyy the lads

 

I thought he was excellent against Hull and Preston.

 

Dos Uno the lads.

Trai to batter the **** headed mop badge kisser.

Lovely.

 

2 nil Clarke and Rusyn

 

Let’s just play our biggest players and batter them for 90. Squeeze in Seelt somewhere, think he’s been class lately

 

My other prediction is that Beheaddie will be out of a job after our win.

FTSAUDIS

Bart

 

If he plays then it'll be same formation and tactics against Leeds. I agree though, he has been class. He'll only get better.

 

Certainly improved over the last couple of games. Overall though he’s been poor since his injury. We need him at his very best Saturday afternoon. He’s up against some good players in there.

 

True mate, I'd even go so far as to say he's almost as good as Dan Neil.

 

Patterson
Hume Seelt Ballard O'Nien Alese
Pritch Neil Ekwah Clarke
Jobe

Similar setup to the Leeds game.

First and foremost we need to be defensively excellent in this game. Once the red and white tinted glasses come off they have some very good attacking players, Isak has great movement and is a clinical finisher, Gordon has serious pace, players like Bruno and Joelinton are a real threat breaking from midfield. They are also a threat from set pieces, players like Burn and Botman are dominant in the air so we really need to be switched on.

Attacking wise, it's all about the transition play. Newcastle struggle when teams sit in and give them the ball so for me we need to sit in and wait for the opportunities to press and attack quickly once we win it. Burn is a huge weakness for them but with Roberts out I don't really see how we can get at him, perhaps Rusyn wide right?

Whatever happens I just hope the lads do themselves proud and the fans back them from the first minute until the end. Losing to a top half PL side is nothing to be ashamed by, but with their away record I think we can definitely cause some issues. 1-1, Jobe.

 

I get the desire to see us put in a few reducers against them but it'd result in a ragged open game which would ultimately suit them.

We're best off setting up like we did against Leeds. Keep it tight and professional at the back and work hard further up the pitch and we'll get chances. Wouldn't be surprised to see Rusyn knock one in and become a legend.

 

If we lose and he has a broken leg, I’ll celebrate! ****ing hate the way he goes on. One if the dirtiest in the game, seems to get away with everything despite VAR (headbutt v spurs fir instance). I’d be jumping and laughing if it happened!! Send on a youngster who it doesn’t matter if he’s banned. Tell him just go and break that ****er in two!!

Edit… by celebrate I mean celebrate his broken leg!

 

Great summary RTB as always! Got a confession to make in that every match summary you have done I have always gone for the win to the lads. This summary I have gone for a draw. The reason why? I just want to win at their place. If we can get Clarke on Trippier lovely jubbly! These games are great levelers and I’m sure we make make a few of the black and whites sh*t there pants. HTL!!!!

 

Cried off injured already. Too busy at the Vermont

 

He knew what was coming

 

This one genuinely feels like a free hit, I’m sure that will change on the morning of the game, the ones I know haven’t even mentioned it yet, just the gobshites that don’t go/only watch the derby and world cups that are piping up