I don't have even the slightest doubt in my mind at all that we will beat Wigan this afternoon. I think there are some pent up frustrations building up at Sunderland which will be unleashed and especially from McClean and Sessegnon. If Johnson makes the team or even just the bench, he too will be bursting at the seams to impress. I reckon Wigan will come here and feel the backlash of our low key start so far. 3 - 0 (with Fletcher, Sess and Larsson)
Gone for a 2-1 to us mate can't see us keeping a clean sheet with our creaky back line. AJ according to reports this week (may just be mind games from MON) won't make it for this one which is again frustrating for us and probably the lad, definitely MON. Our main problem seems to be yet again injuries and not having a stable first eleven, hopefully a good win and performance today should kick start our season then it's just a case of stringing a run of 3 or 4 wins together. A few of the lads have points to prove today and, I'm not sure it'll be as easy as a 3-0 as Wigan tend to do okay up here but, like you I'm confident of a win. 3 points is 3 points and to be honest I'm not too bothered how we get them today we just need to get that first win out of the way.
I just don't think Wigan have 2 consecutive away days in them and they had their goals quota for the week on Tuesday. They have a soft back 4 imo and won't keep Fletcher out imo. Also, why do some think we have a dodgy defence? We have kept a clean sheet in 3 of the 6 games we've played this season, 2 away from home (one of them at Arsenal who have gone goal crazy since) and only conceded 4 in the other 3 (2 of those away from home). The only negative so far this season has been the form of Sess and McClean and if they click today, watch out Wigan. A far more positive attitude from The team, with everyone firing on all cylinders and we will win handsomely today imo.
For my money JMC has been briefed to stay out wide as we have few options on the right. Once we get balanced up with another winger I can see JMC being given a more roving role possibly inter-changing with Fletcher.
Hullo lads! Just wait until the team sheets come out. If Bobby picks Gomez then you can expect three points. If he goes with something like this - Habsi Caldwell Ramis Figuroa Stam/Boyce Beausejour McCarthy McArthur Maloney Kone Bosselli then you can propoably expect us to make much more of a game of it. Particularly James McArthur he seems to make us tick. The side Bobby picked against Fulham last week was mad. Supporters were turning up at the ground and immediately could see that the game was lost. It was like we had forgotten the golden rule of Wigan - underestimate no-one.
HP - I just feel you are meeting us at the wrong time. For you at least. Our season has barely got going (still unbeaten though) and 3 or 4 individuals have not got going yet either, noticeably 2 of our big players under MoN in McClean and Sessegnon. They won't continue to under perform and if they turn up today they will want to get rid of a lot of frustration. Also, I don't see how you will stop Fletcher at the minute. He is on fire and full of confidence right now and we will have the backing of 40k+ today as well. I actually like Wigan and Martinez and after last years amazing last 10 games, I have massive respect for your clubs ability to graft and fight but today is about us getting our first win and getting our season well and truly up and running and that momentum will be too much today. Its not a lack of respect that makes me confident, its got more to do with MoN wanting to end his worst run as a manager without a win.
I read an interesting stat this week that claimed since the season started there have been 96 shots on target at the Sunderland goal whereas we have only got 17 on target at the opposition goal. If this continues one day we are gonna get a hammering. However, on the plus side Mignolet is having a cracking season only conceding on four occasions. A bit worried about today's game as everyone seems ultra confident and for some reason they have forgotten this is Sunderland.
We are well organised, hard to break down and rarely get carved open so teams are shooting from distance. Saw some stats this season and jaskelinan was top of most saves with 17. So that stat is an on one for me 96?
Teams are shooting more and more because they see our defence as slow and not too agile. This means they are looking for the rebound or the corner kick as their best chance at scoring Anyway off out now late start I know but such is life
Of Wigan start well and we sit back I feel you will hear the boo boys. You could easily argue that Wigan are playing us at a good time. Have a feeling this could be nervy. I'll take 1-0 now.
People say we are well organised but we switch off, and in my 30 odd years of watching SAFC i cannot remember us doing that as much for 3 league games on the trot, apart from the infamous 1996 - 97, (3-0 up at Derby half time to 3-3). Mon has to get an attacking attitude for 90 mins.
20 mins into the game, they've had plenty of the play so far, we don't look to good at the moment, in fact they could well beat us
Is Sess right up front with Fletch? If not I'm starting to get a little annoyed with MON tactics at home.
Good in patches, what's clear is we are better when we force the game, **** this counter attacking bollocks. Been ok, think we'll get there today.
Piss poor first half and without the MIG we'd be struggling imo. Not good enough. Half time rocket and we will must do better. Still going for 3 0. Lol
