First goal is crucial here. After 3 defeats on the bounce QPR need a win or they are already looking in trouble. If we concede first I think we'll lose. Don't know why but just cant see us winning today :-/
Great thread and nice to get a genuine invite without wumming -there should be much more of this. I think we will still struggle but we may well pull off a draw. On paper I think your squad looks stronger, more experienced and more of a long term existing team than ours. Either way, I think both will be edgy at first but will have to go for it. Can't be there today but the ground should be jumping with two decent sets of fans under one roof.
MATCHDAY READ: Poyet's praise for spine of team Published: 30 August, 2014 by Oscar Chamberlain Boss speaks ahead of today's game at QPR. Gus Poyet has hailed the spine of Sunderland’s team following the Black Cats’ impressive start to the 2014-15 campaign. The core of 2013-14's side has remained, taking their form from the back end of last season into the new campaign to make an unbeaten start in all competitions. Speaking ahead of this afternoon's game at QPR, Poyet backed his side to keep performing, whilst challenging the players left out to put pressure on those who are named in the starting XI. I am very pleased with the whole group but especially those at the core of the team - Gus Poyet “I think that [consistency] it is good for any team in the world, only a few like the best Barcelona team ever or maybe special teams like Bayern Munich now can change many players without losing their spine and still perform at the highest level. “That spine and that group of players that had that incredible run last season are getting the opportunity to stay in the team, they deserve to be there and they are still performing which is good.” He added: “They need to make sure they stay in the team and the rest need to be ready, taking their opportunities in the cups and when they get 20 or 30 minutes to play. “I am very pleased with the whole group but especially those at the core of the team.” The head coach went on to praise the attitude and performances of Steven Fletcher, who has returned to the side after missing the latter stages of last season through injury. “I know the characteristics of Fletch and I know that it would be easier for him to play with another player but I am trying to sort that out. “It is a responsibility that I like to share with the players – there is some part that is up to me like making sure the team play in a certain way for Fletch to have opportunities, and then the player on the pitch has to make sure they make the runs in the game to have the chances. “It is a process but what is good is that he is fit and he is training every day, he is willing to play and he wants to score but he is doing well and so are we so the goals will come.”
SAFC: Mannone, Vergini, van Aanholt, Brown, O'Shea (c), Cattermole, Larsson, Rodwell, Johnson, Wickham, Fletcher. Subs: Pantilimon, Jones, Bridcutt, Gomez, Altidore, Giaccherini, Buckley.
Id have rathered Buckley kept his place. Hopefully the competition will give him a much needed kick up the jacksy.
I was hoping it'd be Wickham up top with Johnson and Buckley on the wings - at least Giacc and Buckley will be good impact subs. Johnson should cause Clint Hill some problems!
Smug, I'm after getting into trouble on my Board for the way I answered that question last night. Any chance you'd come back and tell them I was only having a joke with you? Cheers (http://www.not606.com/showthread.php/275430-Team-for-Sunderland-(home)/page3)
