Over at ESPNFC.com, I argue the case that Wes Brown has a potentially crucial role in determining whether Sunderland stay up or go down.
A sustained run for him could make a huge difference, as the performances at Hull (second half) and at home to Man City demonstrated. I considered adding that a sustained run of suspension or injury in the case of Lee Cattermole could also be invaluable but thought better of it.
But Wes is a former international, not a current one. Several of Gus Poyet’s squad have been away on national duty – and they owe it to us, to him and to themselves to put on a mighty display at the Britannia.
Angela Smith has had her say in another fine contribution to our “Who are You?” series – https://safc.blog/2013/11/stoke-v-safc-who-are-you-mellow-kenwyne-hounded-shawcross-whingeing-arsenal/ – with challenging remarks on the Sunderland-Stoke player links, the Shawcross-Ramsey saga and the “in your face” approach of Mark Hughes’s predecessor as City boss, Tony Pulis.
Now, just before the players get to do their own talking, on the pitch, it’s your turn to tell us how the game will end.
Just for fun again this time, but have a go and say why you believe your predicted scoreline will come true. Stoke fans welcome to join in.
As for Sunderland, it is time for men who regularly perform on the world stage for their countries to show they can do it in the league for us.
Extract from the ESPN piece:
Brown, even more than the steady O’Shea, can make the difference between a win and surrendered points. His tenacity and composure are exemplary and his assured distribution gives him the edge over his former Manchester United partner. Together, they are beyond serious doubt Sunderland’s best bets for central defence.
Ha’way the Lads …
And here’s an extract from the Angela Smith interview:
Salut! Sunderland: I noticed your lineup at Swansea had no ex-Sunderland player starting, just Kenwyne and Tommy on the bench and neither used. Is that link between our clubs effectively dead and how do you assess its role, and the contributions of individual players, in recent Stoke seasons?
I think the link between players from both clubs is finished for the time being. Rory Delap, Dean Whitehead and Tommy have made great contributions to our club as did Danny Higginbotham, but he was a Stokie first remember and returned to Stoke. KJ is probably one of the most frustrating players seen at our club. In fact as a youngster on loan many years ago he seemed to show more aggression and passion for the game than he does now. Nicest thing I can say is that he has a mellow approach now. TP always talked about the DNA of players and for the most part, these guys typified the spirit that kept us in the Prem for the first couple of seasons. Rory became known throughout the footballing world for his long throws whilst with us. They were great times.
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Never mind the low score forecasts.
Today, Stoke City 1 Sunderland 4.
I think that I may need support from those in white coats.
This, though, is what I believe the score could well be.
3-1 to us
I think this could be a draw. 2-2
1-1
1-0 to us.
Stoke City 1 – 2 SAFC
Let the good times role
1-1
No doubt, two nowt.
As you haven’t specified who will score 2 we must assume you mean the home side. So I’m going to sneak in and claim 0-2 – because I think the team is confident and will be desperate to keep another clean sheet.
In Gus we trust
Home side? Never! But I’ll let you have bragging rights should it come true.