Hoping for a surprise return for LeFee, could give us the bit of magic needed to get a win, without him I'd settle for a draw. Two tactical managers so I'm not expecting it to be a great game for the neutral.
I think Villa have some quality players,but they look a little low on confidence at the minute. If we can create some decent chances....and take them!....they might struggle to cope with us,although I do think they are due a goal or two. We are going to have to be clinical in front of goal....they have an excellent keeper.
Nice one RTB. Think the concensus is that Villa will click one day but at the moment the haven't , so don't quite understand those betting odds, of approx 2.5 to 1 us, 2 to 1 the draw and 1 to 1 for Villa. Looks tempting to back us, but I won't commit money as I'll just jinx it.
Villa favourites and rightly so. Their squad is loads better with more experience. It’s a really tough game on Sunday
Great thread as always RTB, thank you mate. Like I said last week, it feels mad how much positivity is round the club currently. Having a team full of so much quality as Villa coming to the Stadium of Light and feeling that realistically we can get 3 points is incredible. It will be a tough game, like every prem game is, but we have a team rammed with quality ourselves and more importantly heart as we know the lads will give everything for the club. Add to that the home crowd which has been beyond incredible the first two home games of the season. I’m going 2-0, Alderete with a bullet header for first goal. Haway the lads!
It seems clear the players aren't used to each other's play or the more intricate tactics ... ... that's encouraging imo, you can see they're all talented and keen. Once they're nailing dead ball situations and learning the runs off the ball, etc, I think we'll improve. So far we've learned RLB will make subs, we can defend an all out attack and the team don't give up. That'll do for the time being and I see no reason to be frightened of teams, Villa are in for a very tough game.
I've noticed some sites are starting to put us odds on to stay up ... ... beat Villa and a few more will follow. That would be incredible in mid-September.
Obviously hoping for a home win here but a point is not a disaster for me, if we can pick up 3 points from the next 3 games, we're doing perfectly fine, 4 points or more should be considered a big success.
Cracking thread once again @RTB missed the boat with tickets but me and Mrs KB are coming down to watch it in Sheepfolds so will pop into the Museum for a pint. Hopefully our home form continues and we can take advantage of Villas injuries in midfield. The weather gods are not looking favourable for Sunday but hopefully the football gods are!
Thanks again RTB, another belter Villa have had a tough start but they are more than a decent side, this will be our toughest game so far in my opinion. Our form is decent and we are a good side ourselves but I just see 2 well organised teams that are hard to beat cancelling each other out 1-1 for me. As long as we keep totting up the points thats the main thing.
Always good to see you, and the other exiles, posting on here. Just wondering though, about how you all go about watching the matches and how much you get to hear ... ... I suppose we're lucky, these days, that information is there when we need it. Do you ever record it and do a 'Likely Lads', if you get that reference
Perfect as always RTB mate. Can’t wait for this one. Stroll over Regis Le Bridge for the first time, proper PL game against proper PL club with usually decent fans. They are gonna improve Villa. They are a top 8 at worst side and this is a different kind of game. They will come here to win and I’m looking forward to seeing how that plays out. We are quality at the back but this might be the first game we get a bit of the ball in midfield to properly work with and get some space out wide. I fancy it’s going to be end to end. I have a feeling we nick it 2-1. Diarra to get his first PL goal, Wilson to net the second later than 75 mins. Can’t wait for it lads, these are the games we wanted back.
Hi Smug, Likely Lads....lol....that brings memories back!! In the main the last few years Sunderland games in the Championship were mostly covered here on Paramount. Now NBC through Peacock shows all the Premier League games live. So really good coverage....when the noon time game at your end kicks off it's 4.00am here but I take one for the team and get up for that....lol. Moved here permanently in 1996 and since then the interest I feel the interest in "British Soccer" has increased enormously over this time. Maybe more foreign and USA players in the leagues which have counted for this. I love our 606 site as it keeps me up to date with not just our team but what is going on in the area...hence as soon as I see updates on Sheepfolds etc I love that and gives me a feeling of immense pride my city is developing this way. Because of the time difference I tend to miss bits on 606 but love going back over the posts as it's my downtime away from living in the crazy world of Los Angeles. There are amazing posters on our forum of which you are are up in the hall of fame sir! The help you give others for tickets etc I have texted King Charles to line you up for a MBE in the next honors list So many great posters and yes not everybody sees eye to eye but that is what I like about it.....so many different opinions. Let's see if we can continue our journey with three points on Sunday....HTL!!!!
