Sunderland's plans for Chris Rigg ahead of Middlesbrough game https://www.thenorthernecho.co.uk/s...ds-plans-chris-rigg-ahead-middlesbrough-game/ ABSENCE truly does make the heart grow fonder. Regis Le Bris never doubted just how important Chris Rigg was to Sunderland’s development this season, but it was only when the teenager was unavailable around the turn of the year that the Black Cats head coach was reminded just how pivotal he has become.… “He (Rigg) is really impressive,” said Le Bris, ahead of this evening’s Tees-Wear derby trip to Middlesbrough. “For such a young player, he is so consistent. “When we do the post-game analysis, you are trying to find the small details. With Chris, we understand that he is very talented with the ball, he can create many things and his left foot is very good, but out of possession, he is just as important for the team. That is because he is very smart and also intense. “Sometimes, it is difficult to assess the importance of a player game after game. But when Chris is not on the pitch, it becomes clear. “A few weeks ago, he struggled with an ankle injury and missed two or three games. We had to change the structure and at that moment, we could feel that the role he had was so well done. We could feel his lack of presence so yes, so far, he is really impressive.” Le Bris was quickly made aware of Rigg’s talent when he took over as Sunderland boss, with the youngster having made his senior breakthrough at the age of just 16 under Tony Mowbray.… “Do I sometimes forget how old he is? Yes. Really, yes, I do. He is not a young player, and it is clear we are better with him playing. “He has played so many full games, and if you want to compete with Leeds, Burnley and Sheffield United, you have to maintain your level at 100 per cent. A young player, or an old player, if they play all the minutes, they will get tired. “So, for the later stages of the season, it is probably better if we can play 65 minutes with one player and then 35 with another. And if we have another game three days later, we can change that position. That would be the best way to manage our performance.”
Well i for one am not logging on whilst the match is in progress. Logged on against Sheffield United and caused Wilson to miss his penalties Logged on against Plymouth so that they could equalise. It's my fault fella's and i'm not going to risk it for this match
Hope all the nonsense of transfer deadline day is kept well away from the coaches and squad today. Full focus on the game and giving Boro a spanking. Thinking Mayender might start this one to give us a serious threat in behind them, but who knows. Haway the lads
Class as always RTB Fancy us for a 3-1 win tonight. They will be well up for it as it’s a derby for them but their defence is prone to a gaff or two. I can’t see them being able to cope with Wilson’s pace at all. Jobe, Wilson and Enzo to score. Haway the lads
Really looking forward to the team news for this. I'm hoping we get behind their defence and show some composure, we're bound to get chances so we need to make the most of them. Having lost Latte Lath they may also lose Hackney although he didn't impress me at the SOL. Carrick won't know how we'll play tonight so it'll be interesting if he picks a team to combat our tactics or to play the game how he wants. I'm not sure he's smart enough to change games and we have good options now. Anyone going needs to bear in mind that Boro fans are a bit of a throwback so take care and come back singing.
Expect to be under the cosh for 15 mins before wrestling back control they want to attack and we are reasonable solid and built to exploit space, it’s there for us if we turn up Haway
I'm not confident tonight. I don't feel like we often manage this game very well. We don't treat it as a derby but it's more intense than a usual game and I think we often get caught out by that and don't perform to our best. Having said that, it's pretty even over the last 6 games between us so maybe I'm full of ****. I'll be content with a draw tonight, delighted with a win.
