I'm relieved that Khazri's still part of Moyes' plans and it's just a case of attaining peak fitness. He's a premier league player through and through. Hearing that he was unhappy at being dropped and wanted out was one of the heftiest kicks in the bollocks we've had and there have been several but the rumour looks to be bollocks itself now.
I've got a feeling we will get something here. Very good opponents, probably better than us in truth but I think some of the fog has started to lift this week, having Kone back is massive and I hope he and Dji quickly form a partnership. I'd like to see Khazri and Borini in for O'Shea and Watmore, obv Manquillo should start as we've nowt else. Gooch should absolutely play, he's earned his shirt.
#SAFC XI: Pickford, Manquillo, Djilobodji, Kone, van Aanholt, Rodwell, Pienaar, Gooch, Borini, Januzaj, Defoe.
Jermain Defoe will captain Sunderland against Southampton after being recalled to the starting XI. The prolific striker was rested as the Black Cats dispatched Shrewsbury Town in the EFL Cup, but Jordan Pickford remains between the posts following an elbow injury suffered by Vito Mannone. Javier Manquillo makes his Sunderland debut after moving to Wearside earlier this week, with Fabio Borini back in the side following a toe injury. Jack Rodwell moves into midfield with Lamine Kone back in the side but John O’Shea misses out due to injury. 17-year-old Joel Asoro, who started against the Shrews, is on the bench. Sunderland: Pickford, Manquillo, Djilobodji, Kone, van Aanholt, Rodwell, Pienaar, Gooch, Borini, Januzaj, Defoe. Substitutes: Stryjek, Khazri, Watmore, Lens, McNair, Love, Asoro. Southampton: Forster, Cedric, Fonte, Davis, Austin, Tadic, Romeu, van Dijk, Redmond, Hojbjerg, Targett. Substitutes: Yoshida, Clasie, McCarthy, Long, Ward-Prowse, Bertrand, Rodriguez.
If only we were playing on paper . . . . 'cos that team looks alright, apart from Rodders, who I have hope for again 'cos of Moyesy, and Januzaj who I just hope has got 'something' 'cos he hasn't shown that he has anything to offer that'll improve us, so far If those two 'do their bit' (as well as the others, of course) I have high hopes today . . . . and tomorrow
Got that no bother, cracking stream. Was using cricfree & first row. They`re usually ok but jerky as hell today.
we are under the cosh to be honest, but we get the odd breakaway that looks promising...just as was typing, Kone should have scored
Manquillo looks ****ing fantastic @Nads , great debut. We have turned the screw and looking the part now. Apart from Januzaj, of course. He's looking a waste of space so far. No effort and our weak link upfront.
Can't grumble with that like. Very promising. Borini and Manquillo seem to have struck an early understanding
