Match Day Thread Sunderland AFC v West Ham - Saturday 16th August 2025 - KO 15:00

It’s weird. I’ve been up a couple of hours, it’s 9am on Thursday, and it’s still less than 48 hours until I hit the Fans Museum for beer.

(I’m currently in the Dominican Republic on the last day of my holiday! Which included a 7 hour hospital trip as I have pneumonia!!)

So I’ll see any of you which make it to the fabs museum on Saturday!!

 

Still floating from the playoffs tbh and there's a part of me that kind of wishes the season didnt start for another couple of weeks!

But starting to get really excited now, just seeing us a part of the big time again with all the coverage is class.

Outside chance of Alderete starting possibly.

 

Take care of yourself - perhaps wrap up in cotton wool until kick off

 

I admireyour optimism, but where do the 3 goals come from?.

 

Reggie said to the written press after the televised press conference that Alderete, Masuaku and Guiu are all very unlikely to start.

 

I'd like to see Guiu come on at some point.

 

None of the ex pros do their homework, they've no idea about any of the players we have brought in from abroad and just dismiss them. Some of the journos who have been on Haway the Podcast and actually pay attention to the foreign leagues are very positive about our business and chances of staying up.

 

We’ve created plenty chances in pre season, just need to stick them away. I’m confident.

 

Believe it or not, I’m ****ing terrified of cotton wool!!! Pathologically!!!

but the holiday has been amazing. Going to
The dr tomorrow. Just about to get on the bus to the airport

have to say though, I’m a lucky boy having this one by my side!

 

In 2005 I went to Dominican Republic and Puerto Rico through work and when I got back I had pneumonia.
Only night I have ever spent in hospital.
Knocked me off my feet for a while so watch you don't over do things.
I'm advising against running on the pitch on Saturday after we scored our sixth goal
Safe travels home....LA

 

And this is the very reason why he's captain.
Im sure Dan Neil himself would admit it would be abit embarrassing being the main man and barking orders to Xhaka

 

A Ballard winner. Guess when. At the end. Crowd goes mental.................again.

Cheers RTB. The normal superb OP.

 

Take it no more franky & Danny now were with the big boys ill miss their dulcet tones

 

My missus is a Mag (great tits though), we do a deal that whoever’s team wins has to do the other a ‘favour’ in derbies.

Doesn’t stop the pain but helps for few mins.

 

I was out in Henley today and drove past this place - Ballards

I'm taking that as an omen for Saturday

 

I'm pleased with that. We've needed a no-nonsense organiser type character on the field for a long time now and Granit just fits the bill!

 

That’s tonight’s conversation with Mrs Malaga

 

Happy to help brother.