I'm hoping the lads take to the field with a something to prove attitude. This has a feeling of a must win, if we are to keep within touching distance of a playoff place. I'm with you RTB, 1-2 win to the lads.
Sunderland: Michael Beale hits back at comment he 'didn't like' By Dominic Shaw https://www.thenorthernecho.co.uk/s...d-michael-beale-hits-back-comment-didnt-like/ MICHAEL Beale has angrily hit back at suggestions his Sunderland side are too easily "bullied" and has challenged his players to show they're up for the fight in the Championship promotion battle. After Huddersfield beat Sunderland in midweek, winger Sorba Thomas said the Terriers knew they could bully the Black Cats - a comment Beale says he "didn't like".… "It's interesting that teams don't want to play a football match against us, they want to get up and at us," said Beale, whose side head for Birmingham City on Saturday for a reunion with former boss Tony Mowbray. "The comment we don't like but we'll have to take it. If that's what people feel we have to get rid of that perception. "If teams are thinking they can run after us and press us and we're not up for the fight then we have to respond to that. "Their coaches mentioned that to one or two of our coaches and I'm not happy about that outlook, but our team have to take it on the chin. "I don't think any team will stand off us and let us play lovely football. What teams are realising is if they stand off us they'll have a massive issue. We did really well last year, we're in a really good position and play a certain style of football, teams are going to look at ways to create problems for us. I wouldn't read too much into those comments but we have to show that's not the case." Beale added: "I think it's a big compliment. Take the bullying word, that's not a compliment, but why are they trying to do that? People get wise to you in the second season (in the Championship) and they might sit a bit deeper or get a bit closer to you, our job then becomes a bit more difficult because you have to think ahead and problem solve. "I always felt coming into the club the respect for our team had gone through the roof."
Whist there’s no need to panic if we suffer another away defeat, I think it’s really important that we get something from this game. Having said that, I do fancy us for a win and a clean sheet. 0-2 Rusyn & Ba Bart
Top thread as usual RTB , this game is a turning point in our season and we need a 90 minute performance to come away with the points. For me our last good 90 minute performance was against Leeds United, although it was at home I thought at the time it the ideal set up for away games. Against Leeds our line up that day was 3/4/3 Patto / Seelt, Ballard and O/9 / / Hume Jobe Neil Huggins / Ba Pritch and Clarke , a similar set up to that from players available could be Patto / Seelt, Ballard and O/9 / Hume , Ekwah , Neil, Hjelde, / Ba Jobe (obligitory preferably Rusyn ) and Clarke Subs Bishop, Pembelle, Rigg, Adil, Mundle , Burstow and (Jobe or Rusyn) I would play this space denying set up against a very crafty Birmingham side who know how to play ugly. Lets give them a taste of their own medicine ' and planning for the run in at the same time. OaU
I was trying to get down for this but have finally given it up ... ... so have have two Sunderland section available.
Pritch still injured, we need to start Rigg, and Beale is wrong about us getting bullied they are soft as clarts. tell the truth we cannot handle that so in the summer we need them type of players in, and maybe a striker ? will he be in charge though i doubt it, season getting thrown away. most likely win 16 home games and still miss out on the top 6, we need WBA to get beat tonight for starters. Mbappe is wanting a move in the summer let's be ambitous
Off down tomorrow. In the Posh Box though, with some Brum sponsors and very good friends. They know how I will behave and they love it. Will be well 'lubricated' if I make it on here later. If we win I will crack open the malt when home. Stand by My wife is away with the youngest. Me and the oldest. He is Derby mad but the free bar has convinced him. He is my bodyguard and he can drink like a bloody fish.
I like the look of Mundle, but he looks a wee bit 'angry' to me, I hope he's not easily wound up, or he'll end up sent off. Hope I'm wrong.
Tags don't work on here mate. I've just sent you Faraway's mobile number. The lads are meeting at The Big Bulls Head Digbeth. Hope you all have a cracking day out ... I'll be at West Brom, see you there.
It's the right thing to do, I'm leaving in 10 mins I was told and its being checked out for me Patto and Beal have been at it again, arguing again not scrapping. I'm thinking his head ain't right, he was watched again at Huddersfield by the Liverpool head scout and keeper coach. So I will find out over the weekend and let you know.
Wouldn't mind Seelt been back in. Done nothing wrong and excelled the vast majority of times he has played. Much be getting a bit sick warming the bench.
The pre match nerves / excitement still kick in, really hope we can start on the front foot at pace and get after Birmingham. Silence the crowd and play like we can and we will have too much for them. Early goal would be nice as well
I’d love Hemir to get a goal. He looks a lot leaner than a few months ago which will hopefully help him to cover more ground.
