We’d all hoped the mini-revival sparked by Paolo di Canio’s arrival would turn the Stoke game on Monday night into a much more relaxed occasion that seemed likely just before he arrived as head coach.
Villa Park, and a couple of good results for Stoke, changed all that.
Instead of coasting towards safety, Sunderland are still looking nervously at the reverse race for third bottom – and Stoke, on 40 points, probably feel they are just about secure.
If you think that makes for a nervy Monday evening, you think right. We’re back to PDC’s post-Chelsea comment that Sunderland were left with six cup finals. Six points from the first three; three or more needed for the three than remain.
So have a go at guessing the score. I will come up with a prize on the usual conditions: it won’t change your life and it may not even be something you specially want. A mug, maybe, the design modified if you’re a Stoke fan and are first to get the scoreline right before kickoff; a copy of Lance Hardy’s excellent book on the May 5 1973 FA Cup Final book …
… which, if you don’t trust yourself to win Guess the Score, you can buy at knockdown Amazon prices via the Salut! Sunderland link: http://www.amazon.co.uk/exec/obidos/ASIN/0752898515/salusund-21
Ha’way the Lads …
See all Salut! Sunderland’s articles recalling May 5 1973 and the run that took SAFC to FA Cup glory: https://safc.blog/category/fa-cup/may-5-1973/
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Although it means you go above us I stand by my prediction that you will beat Stoke. To be truthful I really want you to humiliate them and screw up their GD.
Ignore Nevin and do what I do, just keep telling Newcasttle fans they are too good to go down ( LOL )
On MOTD2 Pat Nevin predicted we’d go down. Didn’t say why….could it be because he was sitting next to the missing link…..looking more like a silverback with every passing year. Half expected Attenbrough to discuss this unique mating ritual where the lesser spotted Nevin seeks affirmation from homo erectus…….3-2 to the Lads
0-0. You never get a decent game against Stoke. Nerves will continue to jangle.
Judging by the thumbs down we seem to have a horse thumper visiting the site!
3-1 to us. Comfy.
I was going to go for 1-0 but Eric beat me to it so will have to put my optimism into reverse and plump for 0-0.
A very nervy 1-0 victory. I’ve been having a go at the BBC Predictor and have us either staying up on goal difference or finishing 11th. Either Canaries or Magpies going down.
3-0. Pass the medicine Nurse!!!
2-1 to the Lads
A nervy 5-0 home win.
6-1
2-0 (Goldy)
Paolo Di Canio will get the sack in the summer after he has lost this relegation fight!
He can sign on with DePardew then.