Sunderland entertain Europa League high flyers Stoke City looking to kick start their flagging season.
It’s been a right old slog for Black Cats boss Steve Bruce with two points from four games and the loss of key striker Asamoah Gyan to the United Arab Emirates putting him under some serious pressure. A huge recruitment drive in the summer has so far failed to produce the desired results with Bruce’s new look side yet to gel to full effect leaving fans frustrated. Defeat to fierce rivals Newcastle in the Tyne Wear derby last month hasn’t done much to help the boss’ cause and he must now work without Gyan. Nicklas Bendtner was brought in on deadline day on a loan deal from Arsenal and put in an admirable display against Chelsea last week but failed to find the net. A run of only three wins in 18 games has seen many supporters call for Bruce’s head. However at such an early stage of the season and with a squad boasting over 10 new faces it would only cause to further harm the stability that has been built during Bruce’s three year tenure. The visit of Stoke this weekend should see them break out of their slumber with the Potters failing to score at the Stadium of Light in their last three visits.
A tremendous 1-1 draw against Dynamo Kiev in the Europa League coupled with an unbeaten start to the Premier League season has seen confidence skyrocket at the Britannia Stadium. However the amount of time spent jetting off around Europe may come back to haunt the Potters who will need to be wary of fatigue that will undoubtedly creep up unannounced in the squad. A very good transfer window saw boss Tony Pulis bring in Peter Crouch, Wilson Palacios and Cameron Jerome along with Jonathan Woodgate and Matthew Upson giving the squad a few licks of experience. Their away record though isn’t the best and they picked up their first win on their travels against Stoke a few weeks ago.
Phil Bardsley starts his four-match ban after being charged with violent conduct in the week. John O’Shea could return after missing the Chelsea game last time out.
Matthew Etherington, Rory Delap and Marc Wilson all missed the tie in Kiev and are all doubts for the trip to the North East.
Key Players
Stephane Sessegnon: After the departure of Gyan fans are now looking to Sessegnon to provide some goals and inspiration to fire Sunderland up the table.
Kenwyne Jones: The former Black Cats striker is unplayable on his day and could come back to haunt his former employers if he’s selected.
Verdict: 1-0
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