Sunderland's Stadium of Light plays host to the Toffeemen on Monday Night Football. The end of last season saw Sunderland run out 3-0 winners, confirming relegation for Norwich and Newcastle in the process - which sparked some scenes of celebration (and has to be one of the best atmospheres witnessed at the SoL): And included a Whabi Khazri corner special: Things have changed a lot since that day - Sam Allardyce v Roberto Martinez is now David Moyes v Ronald Koeman. Players have also come and gone from both clubs, but Lamine Kone, a target for Everton in the summer window, remained with Sunderland and is expected to start. Match Officials Referee: Mike Jones Assistants: M. Scholes & D. Conn 4th official: Neil Swarbrick SAFC Team news: Sunderland are without Fabio Borini, Lee Cattermole, Vito Mannone, Seb Larsson and Billy Jones. Jan Kirchhoff completed 90 minutes on Tuesday with the U23's at Rochdale after 2 "intensive training sessions" last week to get his fitness - expect to see him patrolling the area in front of the back 4. EFC Team news Physioroom states that Tom Cleverley and Darron Gibson are expected to be available on Saturday but the Toffees are still without McCarthy and Besic. Oppositions view: From http://www.theevertonforum.co.uk/moyes-beige-cardy-hits-back-sunderland-preview/? Had to read some way before getting to anything football related - but this said everything I needed to hear really: "Some people still have strong opinions on our former manager and will take pleasure in ridiculing him when we beat Sunderland on Tuesday night. I’m predicting a comfortable 2-0 victory by the way. But, as I hang forlornly in this branch of Oxfam on the dying high street of a provincial northern town, there is one thing I would like to say to you all before I no longer have the strength." Key Men Sunderland Patrick Van Aanholt Surprisingly, I've not gone for Defoe this time. Van Aanholt opened the scoring against Everton last season and is this calendar years highest scoring defender with 4 goals. Everton Romelu Lukaku Needs no introduction. Have seen what he is capable of, although he looked like he may move from Everton in the summer, it has turned out they did exactly what we have with Kone. They'll be looking for a return. League Form/Stats Sunderland: W-W-D-L-L-D Everton: L-L-W-D-W-W (From Statman) Sunderland have beaten Everton 71 times from the 181 time played, Everton eing victorious 80 times with 30 draws - at Sunderland, OUt of 82 played, Sunderland have won 46, Everton 21. Selected Odds Sunderland: 11/4 Everton: Evens Draw: 9/4
Some people still have strong opinions on our former manager and will take pleasure in ridiculing him when we beat Sunderland on Tuesday night. Must be out robbing on Monday night during the game.
Kirchoff back is an obvious plus. Khazri might have lost a few clem and will be better for his away game time. Kone might want to prove something. Thinking positive.
I know! I asked them to take a £1000 bet with me that they don't beat Sunderland by any score on Tuesday night - no answer yet!!
I fancy us. Having Mackembauer back is massive and we've only been a little bit short first 3 games. Defoe will be sharper after his injury pre-season, back 5 looking very good, day off Tuesday as well. Be tough, but I fancy we pinch it 2-1 and get our season started.
Twat My post was to 'bump' the thread to help '83 after he did an impersonation of Rackem (it was all in the timing) It may not have been appreciated, but that's why I posted it edit : it obviously wasn't appreciated
He's probably gonna stand just to the left of the dug out, maybe leaning, probably in a suit with trainers on.
Nifty suit from ASDA and a pair of Pony running slicks in grey, he'll probably have a trouser leg accidentally stuck into his United sock as well.
----------------- Pickford -------------- Manq ---- Kone ---- Bodj ---- PVA ---------------- Kirchhoff -------------- ---------- Rodwell -- Pienaar ------- Januzaj ------------------------ Khazri ------------------ Defoe ---------------- Subs Mika O'Shea Love McNair Gooch Watmore Asoro
Do ya not reckon there'll be a place on the bench for the new hit man? That bench looks weak without him.
