Sunderland face Augsburg in a pre-season friendly at the WWK ARENA Last time out Sunderland lost against Real Betis and Augsburg lost to Crystal Palace. The Black Cats lost 1-0 at home to Real Betis with new signings Granit Xhaka, Robin Roefs and Reinildo making their debuts. Sunderland have signed Marc Guiu on loan from Chelsea and he might feature in one of the weekend games. Guiu made 16 senior appearances for Enzo Maresca’s side last season and scored six goals, which all came in the West Londoners’ victorious UEFA Conference League campaign. Patterson, Rigg, Isidor, Neil and Roberts could all get minutes after not featuring much in previous games. Régis Le Bris has signed a new long-term contract, the Frenchman has committed his future to Wearside until summer 2028. Augsburg lost to a strong Crystal Palace side 3-1 last weekend and are scheduled to play Pisa on Friday afternoon. Augsburg finished 12th in the Bundesliga last season with 43 points, Claude-Maurice was their top scorer with 9 goals. New coach Sandro Wagner has focused on strengthening his defence since he joined in the summer. Regis le Bris: “We showed composure and confidence in our build-up play, in the first half it was balanced because we had a level of control. In the second half, the rhythm dropped and it was more like a friendly game. “I thought we had opportunities, many touches in the opposition box. So, it's always about the final bit and we know we have to improve. “With a new group in pre-season, it's always about layers. We start from the back, then a bit higher, then a bit higher again. So, now it's a question again of this finishing zone, which is the most difficult. It's about creating options for our wingers and strikers, and we'll improve this soon... I hope!” Sandro Wagner: “My goal was to work as a head coach in the Bundesliga. My conversations with the club convinced me that this role at Augsburg was the perfect move for me. They have a clear philosophy, one that perfectly suits my style of play. I’m a young coach and I want to develop myself together with the club. The setup here in Augsburg is perfect for that. "Like me, Augsburg are very ambitious and have strong structures and a great environment. There is a lot of potential in the team and I’m looking forward to working with them," Team Lineups: Sunderland AFC: Roefs, Hume, Seelt, Ballard, Reinildo, Xhaka, Sadiki, Le Fee, Talbi, Adingra, Mayenda. Subs: Patterson, Huggins, H.Jones, Johnson, Aleksic, Roberts, Neil, Diarra, Isidor. Injured: O’Nien, Alese, Cirkin, Hjelde, Mundle, FC Augsburg: Dahmen, Matsima, Gouweleeuw, Zesiger, Wolf, Massengo, Jakic, Giannoulis, Kómúr, Claude Maurice, Tietz. Subs: Briethaupt, Banks, Bauer, Dong, Song, Klein, Dardar, Maier, Schlotterbeck, Essende. My two pence: Not sure on the line-ups yet but the rumour was that the first 11 will face Augsberg on Saturday and the 2nd string will be at the SoL on Sunday. I'm going with that for now and if it changes I'll update the team line-up. Good luck to all those going to this one I’m going for a 1-1 draw Live Stream: Due to broadcasting restrictions in the United Kingdom, Saturday's game against Augsburg will only be available to stream for international supporters. Ha’way the Lads
I know it’s only guesswork when picking the possible team but if that’s the team he goes with I can’t imagine how the Sunday team will look like. Ballard and (if fit) Seelt is our only CB pair available if Reinaldo plays LB Who's left to Pick for the Sunday team. It looks like it will be the bairns with maybe the likes of Poveda and Abdullah. I wouldn’t expect much of a crowd with all the big boys missing.
Thanks once again for all your good work RTB in setting the scene. So far we have looked promising , but we could do with a morale boosting win , if it comes next Saturday it will be well worth the wait, in fact it will be worth its weight in gold. OaU.
Isn't it available to safc live viewers outside the UK? From the safc website Due to broadcasting restrictions in the United Kingdom, Saturday's game against Augsburg will only be available to stream for international supporters.
Starting games playing 4/4/2 makes more sense than ever with the players we have available. Isidor and Mayenda up front on the break is our best bet for a goal.especially away from home, Cant see us outscoring many opponents this season by going toe to toe tbh., but we will see. OaU
Cheers as always RTB, I’ve been told it’s the second string in Germany and the first team for Sunday, one of the lads asked the club as they can’t get back in time for Sunday due to the flights and that’s what he was told.
That would make more sense but it is a bit odd that we have 2 fixtures on consecutive days, and the Rayo game clashes with the Charity Shield.
No hint of it so far but I wouldn't be surprised if Diarra was moved wide right v West Ham to shoehorn the 4 in. Sadiki has probably hit the ground running quicker than expected, whereas couldn't say the same re Talbi
Think the lads are flying out at 4pm today to Memmingen, near Augsburg. I think it'll be the starters who go to Germany with a couple of kids for the bench.
