Tomorrow will be an extremely tough match but one that we should be aiming to win. Sunderland have surprised me this season and they will want to win their first home game of the season in front of the Sky cameras.
Both sides go into the game with 5 points and an unbeaten record, the home side drawing with Derby and Sheffield Wednesday and beating Norwich, a very good start given the amount of change with the club. Simon Grayson has taken over and will mean they will stabilise over the next season before probably pushing on, one of the most underrated managers in the Football League as we well know.
Gaetano Berardi and Matthew Pennington are both definitely out but Liam Cooper could be fit, but may just be put on the bench for safety. Both Chris Wood and Liam Bridcutt are expected to be a part of the squad despite the transfer talk and Ronaldo Vieira will want to get back in the team after being left out of the squad on Tuesday.
Key battles
Aiden McGeady vs Luke Ayling
Tomorrow will be a huge test for Ayling up against the best winger in the league. McGeady under Grayson is a potent mix.
Wood vs Kone
On their day both the best in their positions at this level. Kone seems like he may be coming to terms with the fact he’s staying at Sunderland.
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