Sunderland will make a number of changes for their trip to Bramall Lane on Wednesday night. The Black Cats have a number of injury concerns, with Aiden McGeady and Jordan WIllis set to miss out. Marc McNulty and Alim Ozturk are also likely to sit the Carabao Cup third round tie out as they continue their recovery from recent niggles. Manager Jack Ross has not yet picked his side for the contest with Sheffield United, but Fowler expects summer signings Joel Lynch and Laurens De Bock to feature. James Fowler, who was speaking to the press ahead of the Carabao Cup tie with Sheffield United, was keen to urge unity after a testing week which saw the Black Cats pick up just two points from a potential six, and after a section of fans directed chants towards Ross during the draw at Bolton Wanderers, Fowler has called on supporters to stick together. He conceded, though, that they are perfectly entitled to direct criticism at the management team. “I think that’s part and parcel of football,” he admitted. “We know that we’re at a massive club and there are expectations every week to win games." “Fans are obviously entitled to voice their opinion, but I think it’s important as players and staff that we stick together. “Hopefully the fans come along with that as well, and whatever we do will be a collective effort this season. “I see how hard the manager works every day, “I see the change in the club behind the scenes, even from the first day he walked in the door. I think that some will easily forget the state the club was in 16, 17 months ago when we came in.” He urged fans to remain patient as he and Ross look to engineer a profound change in culture. “I don’t think that’s even in doubt,” he replied, when asked if the Sunderland boss would be able to achieve promotion this term. It takes time and there is no quick fix." “If you look at other big clubs who have been relegated down the leagues, very few will jump back up and very few will probably have had to deal with the situations that this club has found itself in, with the money spent and the players who have come in. It takes time to change that culture and the manager is doing that, but it takes time.”
Ideally a good performance and narrow loss with no injuries. Not saying I want us to lose, but I don’t want a backlog of games on top of the current issues with fluidity.
should have went out out at Accy, he plays a reserve team for what reason ? at least Lynch and Brock finally get a game, who should start against MK on Saturday anyhow. Grigg might get a shot on target mind. and as for criticise we have not forgotten that limp play off final defeat.And "very few teams jump back" well ex league 2 Luton won this league mate.
I think United will play a lot of fringe players tomorrow night as their focus surely has to be premier League survival. I still expect United to win.2-1
Never want us to go into a game not wanting to win but we can do without this distraction. However a win could be a massive confidence boost but am aware that hasn't followed our win at Burnley. We seem to be in a very confusing time at the club and I don't think this elongated take over is doing us any favours. We need clarity at the club, Donald needs to either come out and publicly back Jack Ross or get rid, Grigg needs to play as it's the only way he'll get back to scoring goals if he's ever going to be a success at this club. Our record at Sheffield isn't good and tomorrow might be a step too far and if it is then so what.
Need to get the new ownership finalised so that the owners can tell us, a statement from Donald isn't going to calm the waters.
Well after Saturday I have well and truly got my negative head on and if Ross hasn’t changed much I can only see it being 4 or 5 1 to blades.
Its Prem against League 1 so I don't expect a win. They will play changed team but I guess so will we. I just want and expect a team that at least puts the effort in.
Can't see us catching them with their pants down after Burnley, so anything other than a tonking is a decent result. Would love a win for the excitement of the next draw, but l am not optimistic TBH.
I reckon with sheff u winning their manager will say well we (Sheff u)can afford to put in few good players now rather than rest them, so will be tough. Get through and a home draw please.
There's around 1000 going there on a Wednesday night so some effort should be expected and given. Whoever's in that shirt needs to play out of their skin. If Ross can't motivate them to do that he should expect more booing and chants ... ... and they'll echo around that half empty stadium so no one will miss them. Sheff Utd fans will have very little interest in the game now they're playing with the big boys.
Have never booed a Sunderland team, tend to just chunter to myself inwardly, it’s torture watching the current Sunderland side but we have to accept that we have League One players and tonight we’re playing a Premier League side, I’m not expecting a lot from tonight.
I'm the same. Just stood with my arms folded, shaking my head for most of the Bolton game in disbelief, but never joined in with the booing. Don't think it will do the players any good.
As I have said in another place that should not be named,... I would be happy for the Sunderland Ladies to play tonight, they can showcase their abilities and we will have no injuries..
hard fought draw for me, with the lottery of penalties.. I wish I was going but will be stuck at work..
