are we at an advantage compared to the top 3 we have a slim chance of autos but its most likely playoffs we can build into it, rest, plan. Them 3 have to go hell for leather.
None of them can ease up, one will be totally gutted when they lose out ... ... they'll be the one with the nerves, we're just a bunch of kids with a rookie manager.
My thoughts on the last game were that we seemed very reserved, but what I have seen recently is a more defensive minds among the players, which I believe is due to how we were conceding goals just after Christmas (a lot of bad goals and most were silly scrambles in the box). We seem to have ironed out that problem to a degree but we now need to rediscover the attacking intent whilst keeping the defensive stability. Who would be a manager eh. Oh and I am going for a 2-0 win with Aleksic on the scoresheet because even though he did not have a great game those minutes on the pitch (even in the wrong position) will of been invaluable for the games coming up.
Sun is shinning, hardly a cloud in the sky. Cracking day for the match. Can't wait for the team news to see what plans RLB has for today. Really hope we smash them out the park and get what looks close to a full house bouncing
I shall be making the most of the sun today. Beer garden and unlimited Guinness today. Starting early. Hopefully there is some, high quality, attacking football to keep spirits high!
Regis Le Bris' message for Milan Aleksic https://www.thenorthernecho.co.uk/sport/25084555.regis-le-bris-sunderland-message-milan-aleksic/ REGIS Le Bris believes Milan Aleksic will have benefited enormously from his rare Sunderland start at Norwich in midweek - even if the young midfielder did have something of a difficult and disappointing night at Carrow Road.... Aleksic is unlikely to keep his place in the side for this afternoon's game against Swansea City, but Le Bris still thinks the teenager is on the right track. "I spoke with Milan this morning about this subject," said Sunderland's head coach on Friday. "It's difficult for a young player - to connect, the way he trains every day and the expected level for the competition. He hasn't had many opportunities to play so far. Even if the experience was tough, and didn't play well in that game, it was a new position for him [at Norwich]. "But it was one of the first starts away for him. Even if it's a tough experience, it's a new experience." Le Bris added: "It's a good reminder for us. We can enjoy the output of Riggy now, for example, but Riggy wasn't at that level one year ago. With young players, they still need time and experiences. Often with tough experiences you judge the output at the end of the game. But with time you can assess his progression. "But if we relax now we'll be in trouble. It's not fair to say we can just wait until the end of the season and see what will happen. We have to build to the end of the season properly and build strong momentum. We can't just switch it on and off." Sunderland are unbeaten in their last three - keeping clean sheets in all of those games - the perfect response to the heavy defeat at Coventry before the international break. "We were on the edge and we were probably just really exhausted at that time," said Le Bris. "With that small group we have, even if you maintain consistency you can have downs and that was the case. It shows you have to be at your top every game. He will learn a lot. Maybe the way he starts the game, rather than taking risks immediately, you have to secure the ball, for example. It's part of the process. We have to support him and be patient but at the same time, when you are in this place you know you want to be competitive for promotion. So it's always a subtle balance." Sunderland secured a place in the play-offs thanks to the midweek draw at Norwich, but Le Bris is desperate to ensure his side finish the season on a high. He said: "We deserve to be in this position. We were really consistent this season. It's been one of our main strengths. You need consistency in this division. Last season the team showed they were able to play well but there were downs as well. This season we built the consistency which is a great achievement.
I guess now it’s about seeing who finishes 5th. We can beat anyone in a one of game, and we can beat anyone over 2 legs, but it’s tougher. I don’t recall a game against the top sides that we haven’t performed this season bar Coventry away. I’ve no idea who is choose to play if we had that option, probably Boro or West Brom. As for today, lovely day, no pressure, be nice to see some tidy possession football and I agree with Reg let’s rotate, but let’s not get it to a point we lose momentum. I’d like to see Dan rested, just cos we can, and I’d like to see Mayenda start, as we all would, and as he richly deserves. A Wilson goal would be massive get him going g ready for the big games. Fancy a 2-1 but really just want to enjoy the day, I’m not gonna take too much from the next couple games while we rolling the team.
Assuming we are 4th place finished, I hope the race for the top two goes the distance as those that finish 3rd will be gutted. Bollocks to any momentum in the race for 5th and 6th. We must remember we finished 15 points or so ahead for a reason. We are better.
Bugger my mate is poorly so not going. Was going to go on my own but got reminded by my wife its her birthday so she wants me to take her out. Who needs friends like this eh. Dropped me right in the sh*te. So unfortunately I will have to watch it in some den of iniquity whilst supping alcohol. Hopefully she has a phone to look at or people to talk to .
This is it. ‘Best of the rest’ by a massive margin, and we really did put up a right scrap against these 3 with bigger squads, budgets and recent PL history. It’s very easy to forget we are 3 years out of an extended period in the 3rd tier due to the size of the club. We mustn’t forget this. Progress has been magnificent and we are far from done. The club profile is rising again as well which will improve the calibre of player coming in. There’s 1001 reasons to be cheerful. In a way we won our league, no way did I have us above any of that top 3 pre season, not in a million years. Our league was us, Boro, West Brom, Coventry and Luton pre season. Bristol City and Sheff Wed were dark horse threats to us. We have destroyed them all over a season, the gap is not to be underestimated. We’ve lost to Coventry, struggled v Bristol City, but anything can happen on the day, a 46 game season doesn’t lie. We have been nectar, we have pretty much achieved our realistic max this season and the fact we somehow hung on to the top 3 for so long should not water down the magnificence of the season and progress. It started on a high with the Hummel gear, and actually our biggest rut was a few draws. We need to appreciate the season fully in the days between end of season and start of playoffs as come what may, these young lads and this new to the country gaffer have done us proud.
Cracking thread again RTB thank you. Interesting game against a team who seem to be in form but are unpredictable. I'm sure we will make a few changes so time for people to impress. Fancy a nice afternoon in the sun and a home win would be nice. Haway the lads.
Not expecting too much today, solid performance 1 or 2 changes and a couple of tactical subs. And please no injuries.
