Sunderland Preview: Away games for United and Chelsea means another opportunity for us
Add comment February 20th, 2010
Ten days ago, it was a victory for Everton over Chelsea that provided the defibrillation for our title chances. Today, they host Manchester United. On that same night a couple of weeks back, Wolves picked up a quite hilarious victory over our London rivals Spurs. Today, they host Chelsea. From now on until the end of the season, any away game for the top two has to be looked on as a possible opportunity for them to drop points.
To that end, whatever happens at Goodison Park and Molineux, it is essential we take three points from an out-of-sorts Sunderland. Team news suggests that Manuel Almunia and Alex Song could be fit to come back in, but Abou Diaby has joined an injury list that also includes Eduardo, Arshavin, and William Gallas.
The team is likely to be comprised of Almunia behind Wednesday’s back four – assuming, that is, that Campbell is fit enough to play two games in a week. In midfield, Song can step in to the holding role, with Cesc and one of Denilson or Ramsey ahead. Bendtner will lead the line again, most likely supported by Nasri and Rosicky – though Eboue and Walcott are both pushing for starts.
Sunderland haven’t won in their last six games, and even that victory came against minnows Barrow Town. They’re now just three points off the relegation zone. This ought to be a fantastic time to play them, so there can be no excuses.
I have to say that a 3pm Saturday kick-off at home has a certain novelty to it these days. I’m going to head down to the ground early and enjoy it. Come On You Reds.
