It’s absolutely not the sort of thing I like to say, especially about a club that is as massive as they are and has a pedigree up there with the best of them, but beating Sunderland at home surely has to be classed as a banker game for us doesn’t it????
I see Tim Sherwood has played the game down somewhat, saying that it’s too early for “must-win” games and I can understand where he’s coming from, in trying to alleviate any pressure on the lads.
But for me, this is just one of those games where if you don’t beat them at home, who do you expect to beat?
Plus Sunderland have a poor record against us recently, which is about right, even though they eventually finished above us last season.
They looked truly shocking at times, particularly in defence; Even worse than us in my opinion and that’s saying something.
Dick Advocaat played a blinder in keeping them up and with 20-20 hindsight, he should have retired at the end of the season, just as he said he was going too, as it would appear he was promised serious money to spend, only for Ellis Short to seemingly go back on that.
I think they’ve spent around £10 million net in the window and you get the feeling that just isn’t enough for a club in their position.
Just to continue the tone about what a mess they’re in, Advocaat pulled the team in for crisis talks after the home defeat to Norwich. Yes, even this early in and just after their second game. If that’s not a team in trouble, I don’t know what is.
Injury news then and Sunderland have Adam Matthews out with an ankle injury.
Adam Johnson has a shoulder injury, but the rest of the squad are fit.
They’ve also just signed Ola Toivenen, a midfielder who could step straight into the team.
As for the Villa, Adama Traore is a bit doubtful and it’ll be a tomorrow morning thing.
Possibly more worryingly, there’s a bug going round Bodymoor Heath and two players, who Sherwood didn’t name, are suffering from it.
My money says Gabby will be one of those two, as he doesn’t really seem to get “dropped”, does he?
Anyway, such is the nature of bugs, so it might affect anyone tomorrow. Let’s hope not, eh?
So, what to think?
Given Sunderland’s awful defence, you’d have to expect that we will go for them, especially with Sherwood’s natural penchant for attack.
Same as many of you, I’d expect Gabby to be “ill” and Sinclair to be rewarded with a start after his midweek exploits, in his place. Probably combined with Gestede, as an aerial threat should achieve something against a poor defence.
The only question to ask is based around the midfield and we have a fair choice there, so perm any combo you like, although I’d expect Grealish and Traore to start, if fit.
Sanchez sits as the holder and the defence probably speaks for itself, although they’ll need to be on their toes as Defoe still looks very potent on his day.
While I’ll be content with a 1-0 win, I certainly won’t be happy.
I expect an emphatic win, let’s say by two goals.
3-1 it is then, as I always think we’re likely to concede.
Although predicting a win worries me after the last few seasons, I have to admit.
How many times have I done so and it’s gone against us?
As for Jolien Lescott, it’s looking likely he’s coming and that’s a decent signing for me, especially at the money we’re talking about (around £1 mill or so).
And just as Sherwood says he doesn’t expect anyone in, so I think we’re still in the hunt for a striker.
We’ll see, no doubt.
It’s like watching Wimbledon of the 80s!! Only difference is we are shit at it.
DEADWOOD OUT!!
Yawn! Sherwood is getting to look very similar to McLeish and Lambert! We’re not playing to our strenghts. Gestede isn’t as good as Tim is making out. Guzan needs to go.
Idiot.
Let’s wait and see when he has everybody fully fit and they’ve had time to gel first before spouting nonsense shall we.
Fair point. I stand by my Guzan comment though.
Mate, i am with you all the way on Guzan.
Although i am sure it will be addressed.
Guzan needs to go lol…
And we have a fair few illnesses/injuries to deal with, take a chill pill. Holy crap.
Careful Bencey. If your opinion differs from Guests you get branded all sorts of silly names. It’s just his silly nature, he’s renowned for it. Silly boy Guest. Tut tut.
Nothing to do with differing opinions at all B6, and the only silly comment i can remember was you ‘explaining’ to me why Benteke and Delph would still be here at the start of the season.
Which i am still waiting for.
War.coming.
I can’t help it if B6 is a complete moron.
I’m not basing my Guzan comment on today’s goal alone – I think he is a liability. His errors are becoming a familiar feature! To his credit, he is a decent shot stopper and has improved on crosses, but he makes regualr errors of judgement, his distribution is poor, and he doesn’t seem to inspire confidence in his back 4.
have to say it but Gestede does not look premier quality . cant pass, cant win a ball in the air, poor all round.
Libor Kozák looks quality compared to rudy .
now iv said this Gestede will probaby score a few.
i hope 🙂
you have to take your hat off to Sherwood. Tactically spot on so far. Great decision to start with Sinclair.
Sherwood is god!
goal sinclair
Sinclair is class though, to be fair! Looking forward to seeing more of Traore, Gil, Grealish and Sinclair in the same side – all exciting players.
Definitely, Sinclair has been great, he has good movement and can finish. Very exciting attack when all fit.
Good half really, we are the dominant team. Bar giving their goal from a free and a bit of quality defending from Richards we havnt been too troubled.
Gueye has had a good game, great ball by Amavi for our second. Hutton is finding paddocks of space down the right. Still not sure about Gestede.
I’ve got mixed feelings about Sherwood, but prepared to give him time. Will reserve judgement til Christmas.
I think everybody has mate but to be fair to him, the calibre of players he has brought in are far far superior to that of Lambert and his tactics are far more entertaining, wether or not he is tactically good enough to grind out wins against harder teams will remain to be seen, but that said, he deserves a full season with a team that has gelled before final judgement.
Gestede had his pre season interrupted with injury, and then the move. Give him time to get fit.. Also, only on here am I seeing negative comments about the way we’re playing. Everyone else is happy with our play, just feel we’re very weak on the right. Saw a comment comparing Sherwood to Lambert and McLeish. Calm down,,
Gestede looked poor when he played for Cardiff. I think we’ve probably got to give him some time to settle in, but he looks a bit off the pace and doesn’t time his jumps well. Agree that Kozak is a better target man, when fit.
Wonder whether Kozak will get half an hour?
Great play from Sanchez.
DEADWOOD OUT!!
SHITE
2-2 now lads
Clarke terrible defending
Still leaking a lot of goals, aren’t we?! If you go back and count how many have been down to Clarke or Guzan, I think you’ll find it has been a big percentage. Clarke often doesn’t get to his man in time or stands off too far and let’s them run at him and take a shot. I’m not convinced about Lescott at 33, but he surely must be better than Clarke!
Damn so close.. Sinclair great ball across goal front but Richards couldn’t finish. Bacuna should have done better with a free shot on goal.
Not watching the game, but hearing reports that Clark was at fault .
Yeah Sanchez lost possession in the centre but no doubt Clarke should have done much better. Very poor defending
Becoming a game of who has the worst defense
gil on bacuna off
come on tim take off Gestede. bring on Kozák for last 10 mins.
It’s going to be 2 points LOST imo
Agreed mate, should have won that game, gutted.
Can’t even beat that shit at home!
DEADWOOD OUT!
You think Liverpool will sell Benteke? Well we will have to make our minds up with motd,
It is 2 points LOST
2-2 not what I expected.
Perhaps we need Lescott more than we thought we did.
2 points dropped.