Theres YET another international break in 4 weeks and once again we'll be losing a shed load of players to represent their countries at whatever level. Its only a matter of time now till Stewart recieves his first Cap aswell, which would mean most of our Key players are all called up. At some point theres going to be a huge backlog in fixtures for us, especially if we manage to get a decent FA Cup run going aswell as the Carabao. We have by far the most international players than any other team in League 1, so even if our rivals games get postponed aswell, the majority of their first team can use the opportunity to rest where as our players are scattered round the World playing for their countries. Im not going to keep ranting but this Cup does us no favours at all in achieving our main goal which is promotion out of this god forsaken league. Im sick do death of all these internationals and watching England play now .
Exactly. We all know this isn't the most important game this week but it's a Sunderland game so the most important tonight. It gives us all the chance to enjoy watching a game without the pressure and see players we haven't seen much so far. Yes, these games may cause injuries but players are injured in training. They can also improve fitness to the point whereby a player can step up to the first team. The club, the manager and players seem to love these games so, I'm in ... .... Haway the Lads!!!
Sunderland take on Manchester United U21s at the Stadium of Light in their second Papa John’s Trophy game of the season (KO 7pm). Lee Johnson will be looking to utilise the younger players once again after an impressive 2-1 victory over Lincoln City last week in the competition. Team news A similar blend of youth and experience is expected from Lee Johnson tonight after last week’s success coinciding with the international break. Will Harris, Ollie Younger, Harrison Sohna and Kenton Richardson all impressed in last week’s game, and will be hoping for more first-team action. Denver Hume will be looking to build his match fitness up with some more game time, and Arbenit Xhemajli may not be far off some first team action after featuring in the Under-23’s victory against Leeds United at the weekend. Opposition Today’s game will be Manchester United Under-21s’ final Papa John’s Trophy game of the season with the side currently on three points after a victory over Bradford City and a 3-2 defeat against Lincoln. The North West side may feature some familiar faces on Wearside, with former Black Cats youngsters Joe Hugill – who scored in their 3-0 win over Bradford - and Logan Pye both in their squad. Former Black Cats defender Paul McShane may also feature, having signed for the Red Devils in the summer as a player-coach. Around the grounds Six Papa John’s Trophy games will feature over the next two days, with League One sides Plymouth and Portsmouth facing Swindon and Sutton respectively. Elsewhere, Forest Green Rovers take on Brighton Under-21, Newport play Arsenal Under-21, and Bristol Rovers face Chelsea Under-21. Tickets and Streaming Tickets for Wednesday’s game are still on sale and can be purchased by clicking here. SAFSee streaming will be available to both UK and international-based supporters – streaming passes can be purchased here.
I hope those that are going to the game have a great night watching the likes of Younger and Sohna playing if they get a start. It's great seeing the young lads pushing for a first team start. Thanks for the thread RTB, excellent as usual.
