Is anyone's guess. The defence virtually picks itself, but what of the rest? Johnson and Catts possibly the only other guaranteed starters. G/K, most will asume Mannone will start, but will he? What about Gomez or Mavrias, who will get a place? What of Larsson, will he play? Then Fletcher or Wickham, one or the other or both? If Catts starts, as expected, then that leaves a place on the bench for Bridcutt. Will Rodwell be deemed fit enough? So many questions.
GUS POYET is prepared to throw any last-minute signings into Sunderland’s opening day clash at West Brom - if they can prove their fitness. The Sunderland boss confirmed after Saturday’s final pre-season friendly against Udinese that he was expecting further arrivals at the Stadium of Light this week before next weekend’s Premier League curtain-raiser at the Hawthorns. Poyet refused to be drawn on the identity of those potential signings, or put a number on how many players will be added to the six fresh faces who Sunderland have already brought to the club this summer. Sunderland still have a £14million bid on the table for Liverpool striker Fabio Borini, while they have been heavily linked with a loan move for Manchester City midfielder Bruno Zuculini and are interested in Leeds full-back Sam Byram. There was also talk last night that Sunderland have made a fresh approach for Brighton winger Will Buckley - the subject of a failed offer from the Black Cats in the January window. But if Sunderland can add to their ranks before the trip to West Brom, Poyet says those new boys could be in contention for a place in the starting line-up, if their fitness levels are up to scratch. “They could be involved, but it depends how many games they’ve played during pre-season,” said Poyet. “Let’s say it was Jozy Altidore coming in this week after playing just one game. You’re not going to start him. “So it will depend on the player really.” He added: “I don’t want to say how many players (could arrive this week) because people will throw it back at me, but I am expecting more signings before the season starts. “There’s no more news just yet though. We are still working on it.” There are likely to be outgoings, as well as incomings, before next Saturday too. http://www.sunderlandecho.com/sport...l-make-sunderland-team-at-west-brom-1-6778114 ............................................................
-----------------Mannone--------------- Vergini-----Oshea------Brown-----Van Aanholt ---------------Cattermole--------------------- Johnson----Rodwell-----Gomez-------Wickham ------------------Fletcher----------------------- I know people will say wickham on the left? ?? But for me it's a position he can play and its an extra goal threat on the pitch. If we are dominating he can drift up top alongside fletcher with Gomez moving out to the left.
Is Giaccherini injured? I'd look to start him on the left in the first few games. He will be desperate for the season to start after missing out on the World Cup and having a decent end to last season
Mannone Brown---------Oshea Vergini---------------------------------Aanholt Catts Gomez-----Rodwell Johnson------------------Wickham Fletcher Taken into consideration Larrson is still unavailable until his baba is born. Giacc got a bad knock and Jones is struggling to be fit.
ADAM JOHNSON and Seb Larsson are both expected to be available for Sunderland’s opening day trip to West Brom. http://www.sunderlandecho.com/sport/sunderland-afc/sunderland-pair-fit-to-face-west-brom-1-6778106
With that shape? Same team for me but I'd prefer a front three myself. I'd want AJ and Wickham much closer to Fletch and let the fullbacks add the width.
He might go on the right or left with AJ swapping sides, I can't see a place for him in the middle. Didn't his agent say re the new contract he wanted assurance about playing out wide?
I do remember his agent saying that Seb prefers to play out wide. However, given that he's been used centrally throughout pre-season, I'd say that's where he'll be used.
If the rumoured Micah thing omes off, it would maybe give us the 3 at the back option with someone as quick as him Mannone WES Micah JOS/Roberge/Vergini Catts/Bridcutt Johnson Rodwell Gomez Larsson Fletcher Whickham
