Match Day Thread Sunderland AFC v Saudi FC - Sunday 14th December 2025 - KO 14:00

Diarra won’t play.
Masuaku or Cirkin could return to the squad

https://youtube.com/shorts/NEE8uEpLhvs?si=hBWxUpAUaORMbeSF

 

we should postpone Leeds Man C Brentford and Spurs games if all 7 are called up

 

Hahaha just give ourselves a nice month-long break in the middle of the season, I can't see any issue with that. I'm sure the other teams will be perfectly happy with it, too

 

Monty off his chops again on a Monday morning.

 

Ya have said this before and much like last time we assume it's our choice! Without looking at if the club would even want to postpone, which they wouldn't as a month break is worse than playing the games with players missing, the club doesn’t have the final say they can only ask! And if they asked you can almost guarantee what the answer will be!

 

I’ve no doubt you’re right mate, some of our players are 100% African and zero 100% Mackem. We’re not like Mags who declare every player who does well ‘an adopted Geordie’ after one season.

These players often carry the hopes & dreams of their village, town or city on their shoulders, sometimes an entire country. The rivalry between two neighbouring African countries can be way more intense than we can imagine. I’m sure the club will maximise this opportunity by engaging African supporters who’ll come to see Sunderland as their second team and attract potential investors, sponsors, whatever. Our players will spread the good word and raise our profile even more.

And I’m sure we’ll have scouts, out there, targeting future stella signings …

… we can turn a temporary loss into a long lasting benefit.

The player’s contracts will, most likely, stipulate the conditions regarding participation for their country along with compensation, travel, etc.

In my opinion RLB will embrace all this as he has when ‘key players’ have been unavailable in the Championship, etc. I think we’ll see an adaptation of tactics, style and personnel to suit the games and who’s right for the task.

It might be the making of some players like Mayenda, Cirkin, Rigg, Neil, etc …

… not to mention our new January signings.