We all know Stoke aren't pretty but are effective at what they do. I think this is one team we can out play, they go 4-4-2 so you have to think Bruce will go like for like. Stokes biggest threat is from set pieces and throw ins in Delap is playing, due to this id drop Cattermole as he's always likely to give daft freekicks away around our box. Id bring in Vaughan to see if he can get the midfield ticking. The lack of ball retention is a serious worry. Larssen for me has been poor and he hasn't lived upto the expectations I had for him, bar the excellent goal against Liverpool of course, id stick with him for this one though as his set pieces still look out most likely route to goal. Id stick with the back 5 that started the last game (Oshea in for Rico if he's fit) Id go for Ji ahead of Wickham in the hope that his goal has got him high in.confidence, god knows we need it. An early goal is vital for us and I hope we come out gunning, we shoud be looking to get the ball to Sess as much as possible. For me .....................Mig................ bardo....brown....titus......rico... larssen..gardner..vaughan..sess ............bendtner..Ji...............
Already posted on an earlier thread but think against Stoke a diamond formation in midfield with McClean on the left and Sess playing slightly ahead, don't think that Stoke like teams that get stuck into them.Oh aye Westwood instead of the Mig.
Haven't seen anything of McClean so can't comment on the lad. Be surprised if brucie chucks him in, be shocked if he drops mig too.
What if O'Shea is fit Parker? For me (I'll explain my reasons after the list) ------------Westwood-------------- O'Shea----Brown-----Turner----Bardo -------------Cattermole------------- Larsson--------------------Richardson -------------Sessegnon-------------- ---------Bendtner---Wickham-------- I'd play Westwood as Mignolet is terrible with crosses and Stoke will bombard the box with them - Westwood did well on these last season at Coventry O'Shea should be fit and would play RB for me and Bardo Left back - Bramble looked shaky last week and was to blame (imo) in some part for both Chelsea goals. I'd personally like to see a diamond (type) formation with Cattermole in front of the back 4 and Sessegnon & Richardson sewapping about between the left wing and in the hole - with Larsson on the right wing That might be a little harsh on gardner as I though he did OK against Chelsea (he wasn't really wasteful and got the ball moving forward) - only other option would be have him instead of Richardson Up Front I'd play Wickham - I've liked what I've seen of Ji (and his goal was really a very good finish against Chelsea) but Wickham has more physical presence than Ji (which I think we'll need at the weekend) - he's a much bigger unit. Wouldn't be disappointed to see either of them play TBH! and Bendtner obviously alongside As for Tactics: Firstly I'd make sure we don't resort to constantly playing the ball from the keeper to the Big Lad (wing/up front) - Give it short and play the ball Secondly I'd leave someone on the half way line (Sessegnong - no point him being in the box is there!!) We'll see what Mr. Bruce does though Eh!!
I reckon with Stoke matching up is no good. You guys should push Richardson down the left and put Sessegnon in the hole behind Bendtner. (don't know who you'd play left back, maybe should have signed one!) Try and play keep ball and suck Stoke out. Their centre backs don't like following players deep, they like two strikers who they can mark tight. Give Sessgnon the freedom when you have the ball to drag them around. They are very effective and have added quality over the summer. I actually think its a good game for Sunderland at present.
My Team Would Be ...............WESTWOOD............... O'SHEA...TURNER....BROWN...BARDO LARSSEN...VAUGHAN...GARDNER...SESS ..............JI........BENDTNER......... My Reason being because Westwood will be better dealing with crosses and I have no faith in Mignolet. Bramble had a mare on Saturday, and was soooo poor. Turner is more physical and better IMO. Drop Catts, big call and won't happen, but Vaughan is much better at passing and he can put a splitting ball for Ji to run onto. Garnder IMO is probably a better Cattermole... OFC keep Bendtner upfront with Ji as he will be confident, and fast for his size. I will back Bruce on Sunday, but I am still against him.
If only everyone was the same!! I think that's what the entire club needs but I don't think everyone thinks this way I personally don't think Bruce will play the team I picked but I live in hope!!!
Stoke big high ball, so F*ck midfield just play all our forwards and attack for a change. Someone needs to explain the word "attack" to brucie mind.
I think a pie metaphor or tactic might work best, maybe get a european technical coach in to help "you see ze pie, you can smell ze pie, you want ze pie, now steve ATTACK.ze pie!!"
Bobby. understand the team thing, dont understsnd the tactics one, the only tactics Ive seen in two years is the set pieces, ie corners and throw ins, and lets play everyone out of position, so I have said this before, we are going to get spanked, by ex Sunderland players.
Looks good to me. Welcome back chappy, seems you forgot about the goal against Liverpool. how convinient. So it should be Larss1n
By throwing themselves into the giant wall of players Stoke park in front of their goal in all of their ****ty football matches?
