Sunderland have now taken what for me is an unfortunate, but very necessary step by parting company with manager Simon Grayson in the wake of their 3-3 home draw with Bolton Wanderers, the only side who were below them before kick-off on Tuesday.
The Geordie influence on Bolton’s goals and performance was probably always going to happen but it kind of rubbed a bit of salt in some of Sunderland’s many open wounds and Black Cats fans would probably like to think that was the low point of their season.
Time will tell, although a Tees-Wear derby defeat wouldn’t exactly do a lot for morale. The game will be a struggle though but naturally, some changes to the line-up will be anticipated. Sunderland have appointed a joint management team for this game vs Middlesbrough.
We’ll take a stab at a standard 4-4-2 formation here:
Jonny Williams and Billy Jones are doubtful, while Tyias Browning and Josh Maja are set to miss out for Sunderland.
The pre-season free signing may yet get the chance to make a proper impact in this team and at this level.
Getting up and down the line will be important at the weekend and Matthews’ attacking play will be every bit as important as his defensive work if Sunderland are to avoid defeat.
Players going backwards from big clubs are almost always a bad idea, but for now, an all ex-Man United central defensive pairing is expected.
May well be capable of better and can possibly help to influence an improvement in Sunderland’s form at the back.
Like Matthews, he will need to be influential going forward and not just stay solid at the back.
Didn’t start at home to Bolton but probably deserves to come back in at the expense of McManaman.
The ex-Everton man, despite his own protestations about fellow players in the summer, doesn’t really inspire a lot of confidence but may well play again.
Needs to lead from the midfield with a powerful performance here if his side are to avoid defeat.
Did very well at Preston last season and is capable of so much better. His accuracy from the wing could be vital here for the strikers to feed on something.
Could come back in now to partner the prolific Grabban up front as he’s done so far this season.
The former Bournemouth and Reading forward has scored 3 goals in his last 2 games and another strike here could prove very valuable.
Experiencing a live football match in a stadium is genuinely remarkable. The atmosphere differs significantly from watching on a screen. The energy and excitement are contagious, immersing you in the game like never before. If you're gearing up for your inaugural football match, knowing what to expect is essential. The sheer intensity of being surrounded by hundreds or thousands of passionate fans can be overwhelming. To ensure you make the most of this unique experience, here are some tips for first-timers: Secure Tickets Early Getting tickets is crucial, especially for popular events like the World Cup or highly anticipated matches. Buying online is often the most convenient method. As the season progresses, ticket demand increases, leading to quick sell-outs. Prices can vary based on team popularity, stadium quality, and other factors. You can think about buying your tickets in cryptocurrency. Consider using USDT but first understand tether meaning to know how to go about it. If you have a specific team or player you want to see, plan accordingly by checking their schedule and securing tickets early for the best experience. …
FRANCE WIN 14-0 🤯Les Bleus score 14 (FOURTEEN) times vs. Gibraltar for their biggest-ever win.…
Aston Villa are having a very fine season so far in the Premier League. The…
The Premier League run-in, the backend of the title race for Manchester City sees them…
Everton is having a bad season so far, from their poor form in the league…
Communication is the heartbeat of any successful soccer team. On the field, amidst the flurry…