For the first time in a long time our home form is very good, we already have won more games at home than we did when we got to the play offs two years ago. With ten games left at home we only play two teams currently in the top 10 and none in the top six. So we have a real opportunity to get 30 points from those games, which puts us on 80 points even if we lose all of the away games and we do have some tough away days to come. Not a bad place to be.
That’s a very good point, our home form is what gives players the belief in taking a few more risks away imo … … we still have half a dozen away games I think we can win so who knows? I noticed yesterday that we’re the only top ten team to have won our last two games. That doesn’t say a lot except that no team currently has great momentum and know they can be beaten. It was great seeing Leeds throw away a two goal lead at Hull, not just for the two points but for the psychological effect. By the same token turning defeat into victory, at Swansea, gives our lads the belief to keep their heads up. This will be a very interesting run in and ours looks great from March onwards.
With some quality players returning from injury and potentially some new players arriving, we do look a formidable side at home, I think some returning players could make the difference away from home.
Stiffen our defence and midfield in a 4/4//2 we have the players. Keep Isidor and Mayenda fit get Watson and Mundle back and we could be awesome away from home in the run in its all to play for. PS , The main danger is cover/competition up front for our strikers , we need to prioritise one class addition up front and we would be flying .
There's still a few potential banana skins to come, but if we strengthen and stay relatively injury free, our options will carry us through. Bristol City showed that its not just the top sides that can cause us a problem, if we're not firing on all cylinders, so we have to remain focused and become more clinical in front of goal. Like the OP, I hope we get 30 points, but 24-26 while staying unbeaten would not be too bad. We have some tricky away games, but we have quite a few for which 3 points is a distinct possibility. Picking up 14-16 points on the road could be enough to see us over the line. We gave Sheff Utd a hell of a game at Bramhall Lane. There's nothing to say we can't do the same against Burnley and Boro in particular. Leeds will be a tougher task imo. One things for sure, we're right in amongst it and our position should be a lot clearer by the end of February. Even if we're 2 points behind by then, I would really fancy our chances given our run-in.
There's an over-reaction every time we lose full stop. It's the way football fandom has gone. Not unique to Sunderland fans.
I took a step back when people started voicing concerns and doubts about the manager … … he’s come to the UK, been landed with loads of injuries and the players are learning on the job. Things go wrong in football otherwise it wouldn’t be the game it is.