The official Sunderland AFC thread - red & white army

[smeltzerinho]

How would he be gutted at one match? Plus the way your going Cisse wouldn't get a game what with Henry and Van Nistelrooy up front

[Avoidconfusion]

He wouldn't get a game with Vassell up front!

[smeltzerinho]

hmmm don't thinkso monkeyboy you underestimate Cisse if you think he wouldn't be an excellent addition to your squad.

[Avoidconfusion]

Originally Posted by smeltzerinho

hmmm don't thinkso monkeyboy you underestimate Cisse if you think he wouldn't be an excellent addition to your squad.

He failed at Liverpool, he was okay in the french league, I will give him that, I still don't think he can cut it in the Premier League.

[smeltzerinho]

I wouldn't say he failed at Liverpool at all, and of course he can cut in the premiership if Darius Vassell can, he can just looking forward to get Kenwyne back, we'll have a forward line to give any defence problems

[sammeboy]

I heard your chief executive is leaving. Good/bad?

[safcrhys]

Originally Posted by Avoidconfusion

Cisse must be absolutely gutted, first he snubs City to join Sunderland, then they trashed 3:0 by City and then City get bought and have 10 times more money than Abramovich now.

I think he did us a favour though, didn't want him at City to begin with.

Good for you , I'd rather support a club like Sunderland who are using money sensibly to further themselves than support Citeh who are just going to throw money at players who normally wouldn't consider playing for such a small club.

I hope you get nowhere as clubs like you are ruining football.

[safcrhys]

Wigan vs Sunderland - Game four

This will be a hard game today, and I pray that the team plays alot better defensively as Wigan have some good and useful forwards at their disposal. Cissé needs support, he didn't have that against City and hardly had a sniff at goal. The signings of Ferdinand and McCartney will prove excellent in my opinion, they will need to bed into the side and get some confidence started, hopefully that will bring a clean-sheet today.

Sunderland team news:

Roy Keane could hand debuts to both Anton Ferdinand and George McCartney today in a bid to bloster the Sunderland defence, Teemu Tainio has recovered from the hamstring strain he suffered against Liverpool and should feature, but Dean Whitehead is a doubt after suffering a hip injury during the week.

Sunderland expected line-up:

Gordon

Chimbonda....Collins....Ferdinand....McCartney

Tainio

Diouf....Malbranque....Reid....Richardson

Cissé

Wigan team news:

Wigan manager Steve Bruce will assess the fitness of his squad after many picked up knocks on international duty, Jason Koumas (ankle) is a doubt but surprisingly Kevin Kilbane came through the Republic of Irelands match unscathed despite playing with a broken cheekbone.

Wigan expected line-up:

Kirkland

Melchiot....Boyce....Bramble....Figueroa

Valencia....Cattermole....Palacios....Kilbane

Heskey....Zaki

Head to head:

Sunderland wins 3, Wigan wins 3, Draws 4.

Last seasons corresponding game:

Wigan 3-0 Sunderland
Heskey (19), Koumas (pen 62), Sibierski (pen 69)

Referee:

Rob Styles (Waterlooville, Hampshire)

My prediction:

Wigan 1-1 Sunderland

[safcrhys]

Wigan 1-1 Sunderland match report

Determined Wigan earned a deserved draw against Sunderland after Amir Zaki's late strike cancelled out Titus Bramble's early own-goal. At a rowdy JJB Stadium, Titus Bramble headed into his own net from a Steed Malbranque cross in the 15th minute. But Wigan stayed calm and Sunderland's Craig Gordon produced save after save in an end-to-end first half. In the second half however, it was all one way traffic and Wigan finally got their reward for constant pressure in the 78th minute when Amir Zaki pounced to send the ball into the net.

Coming into the match, Sunderland boss Roy Keane made 4 changes to the team that was thrashed 3-0 by Manchester City a fortnight before, with former West Ham pair Anton Ferdinand and George McCartney both handed debuts in Sunderland's defence. Wigan boss Steve Bruce decided not to tinker following Wigan's 5-0 win over Hull, their highest away league win in 17 years. Both teams started the match at some pace as they both sought to get their respective seasons up and running following the international break. But Wigan paid the price after leaving Sunderland creator Steed Malbranque free on the wing on 15 minutes, the former Fulham man had plenty of time to steady himself and whip in a dangerous cross which Titus Bramble headed into his own net past a stranded Chris Kirkland.

Determined to respond, Wigan upped the tempo a notch as they threw men forward for an equaliser, but it was Sunderland who looked the most threatening on the break, looking to use the space left by the advancing Wigan midfield. Kieron Richardson snatched at a chance that could have proved vital in the game when he shot from 20 yards out, at the other end, Palacios watched as his dragged shot worked its way into a posse of players and a goalmouth scramble ensued. Wigan forward Zaki worked hard to create space using a vast physical presence to get at the Sunderland defence, but it was Djibril Cissé who came closest as he watched his shot ark towards the bottom corner only to see Kirkland hurl himself at the far post to tip the shot around the post.

After the break Wigan came out the strongest and Emersom Boyce looped his header over the bar following good work from Jason Koumas, but it was Sunderland who could have gone two up when Cissé put through one-on-one with the keeper smashes a shot straight at Chris Kirkland, if that had gone in then the game would have been dead. Sunderland's Craig Gordon played brilliantly in goal and was called into action minutes later to tip an Olivier Kapo shot around the post. But Wigan kept chipping away and Zaki came close when his header from a Koumas cross grazed the outside of the post, but they got their reward minutes later when Figueroa crossed into a congested area and Sunderland failed to clear, it was a tap-in for Zaki on 78 minutes. Lee Cattermole was sent off after a bad challenge on Tainio with 5 minutes left, but Wigan finished the stronger and Sunderland were very lucky to come away with a point.

Man of the match:

Craig Gordon (Sunderland)

[safcrhys]

I was pleased with the result yesterday, as I predicted I thought it would be a tight game and would probably end in a draw, we cannot defend or score at the minute. A draw was more than we deserved and we were on the defensive for long periods.

Keane still does not know his best team and it will take time for the players to get to know eachother and gel. A good result against Middlesbrough is a must next week and lets hope Chimbonda is dropped and Bardsley is used in the right-back slot.

[safcrhys]

Sunderland vs Middlesbrough - Game five

The first north-east derby of the season is nearly upon us, and while it is nowhere near as big as the game against Newcastle, it is always nice to be get a win over Middlesbrough, especially when you hear some of the vile that often spews from their supporters mouths at matches. Any smogs come on here, listen lads, this game will never be as big as SAFC vs NUFC, so you can stop dreaming.

Sunderland team news:

Michael Chopra could make a return after serving a three-game suspension, the forward played brilliantly in the reserves 2-1 win over Liverpool midweek and he looks sharp and up for the game at the weekend. Carlos Edwards is also back in contention for a starting place after returning from his spell with the national team.

Sunderland expected line-up:

Gordon

Bardsley....Ferdinand....Nosworthy....McCartney

Tainio

Diouf....Malbranque....Reid....Richardson

Cissé

Middlesbrough team news:

Former Sunderland midfielder and cult hero Julio Arca could be handed a start after performing well in midweek for the reserves draw with Hull. Midfielder Mohammed Shawky and striker Marvin Emnes are also available, but defender Rhys Evans and forward Tuncay are both unavailable with knee injuries.

Middlesbrough expected line-up:

Turnbull

Pogatetz....Huth....Wheater....Hoyte

Aliadiere....O'Neill....Digard....Downing

Alves....Mido

All time head to head:

Sunderland 55 wins, Middlesbrough 39 wins, 32 draws.

Big match facts:

The 138th competitive meeting between the two sides, (127th in the league) pits the club with the worst home form this season (2 defeats and 0 goals) against the club who have yet to win an away game in 2008.

Sunderland's 3-2 win in a thrilling game last season ended Middlesbrough's 3 game winning run at the Stadium of Light.

There is a distance of 32 miles between the two clubs.

Last season's corresponding game:

Sunderland 3-2 Middlesbrough - 28th April 2008
Higginbotham 6, Chopra 45, Pogatetz OG 90 - Tuncay 4, Alves 73

Referee:

Howard Webb (Yorkshire)

[safcrhys]

Sunderland 2-0 Middlesbrough match report

Sunderland substitute Michael Chopra celebrated his first appearance of the season scoring 2 late goals to give Sunderland victory in a frantic north-east derby. Chopra ran onto Kieron Richardson's through-ball and slid a low shot past Ross Turnbull and into the corner, and he tapped home the second in injury time after an unselfish pas from Malbranque. Middlesbrough were on top for much of the game but Sunderland goalkeeper Craig Gordon produced several fine saves to keep the Teessider's at bay. While Stewart Downing blasted a penalty over the bar while the score was still level.

Boro, who had not won an away game since beating Portsmouth in late December of last year, looked set to claim the victory they probably deserved when Nyron Nosworthy was penalised for bringing down Jeremie Aliadiere in the box with 16 minutes to go. Referee Howard Webb's decision looked harsh but the home fans need not have worried as Downing blazed the spot-kick wildly over the bar. And Boro, who had edged a dour first half short on both chances and excitement, were made to pay.

Afonso Alves, a last-minute replacement for Mido who was injured in the warm-up, showed flashes of quality and was involved in the best two chances of the opening period but on both occasions Gareth Southgate's side were denied by the imposing figure of Gordon.

The first save saw Scotland's number one react superbly to block Downing's fiercely struck shot after an Alves free-kick hit the defensive wall. And Gordon got his angles spot on to save from Alves after a fine Boro breakaway saw Adam Johnson send the Brazilian through one-on-one. Roy Keane's side settled after a nervy opening half-hour and the pacy but erratic front pairing of El-Hadji Diouf and Djibril Cisse began to ask questions of the visitors' defence. But a fine 50-yard run and a blocked shot aside, Cisse rarely got near enough to the Boro goal to threaten.







Boro were more composed on the ball and David Wheater also scooped a shot wide from an early corner and Aliadiere shot straight at Gordon after a nifty turn in the box. And Boro continued to create the better of the few chances on offer in a tense Wear-Tees after the break. Alves again drew a fine save from Gordon, this time forcing the big keeper to scramble across his goal and push the striker's deflected effort wide. At the other end Boro keeper Turnbull almost gifted Cisse a goal when he dropped the ball, but the French striker's shot was cleared off the line by Robert Huth. Downing then missed from the spot and the Black Cats took full advantage.








Within 10 minutes, Chopra, a late first-half replacement for the injured Teemu Tainio, came off the bench to fire the home side ahead following a superb pass from Richardson. Chopra has only just returned to the Sunderland squad after a spell in the Sporting Chance clinic dealing with personal problems. But he looked sharp on his return to action and with the visitors storming forward Chopra sealed Sunderland's first home win of the season in time added on when he tapped home after unselfish play from Steed Malbranque.

Man of the match:

Craig Gordon (Sunderland)

Attendance:
39,000 est.

League table:

Liverpool
Chelsea
Arsenal
West Ham
-----------
Aston Villa
---------
Sunderland
Hull
Blackburn
City
Fulham
Portsmouth
Everton
Middlesbrough
Wigan
Bolton
Manchester United
West Brom
------------
Stoke
Newcastle
Tottenham

[Glorious90]

Good win for Keane and Sunderland today. Good job

[safcrhys]

Originally Posted by Glorious90

Good win for Keane and Sunderland today. Good job

Cheers mate, a little bit disappointed with the attendance for a derby game like, but I suppose with the early kick off and the credit crunch people just can't make it at the minute.

[safcrhys]

Sunderland vs Northampton Town - Carling Cup 4th round

Sunderland take on vast underdogs Northampton Town in the 4th round of the Carling Cup tomorrow. Sunderland look to be taking the competition very seriously this year and surely should look at Northampton as an easy route of progression to the next round, however the smaller clubs should never be underrated.

Sunderland team news:

Teemu Tainio is expected to miss the match on Tuesday with a shoulder injury picked up against Middlesbrough in the derby game that took place on Saturday. Goal hero Michael Chopra has a dead-leg while new signing George McCartney is cup-tied.

Sunderland expected line-up:

Gordon

Bardsley....M'Voto....Nosworthy....Collins

Edwards....Leadbitter....Miller....Reid

Healy....Cissé

Northampton team news:

Northampton are without on-loan Karl Hawley, as he is cup-tied, so Leon Constantine could feature. Captain Chris Doig is definitely out as he struggles to return from a groin injury, while keeper Chris Dunn is sweating on keeping his place.

Northampton expected line-up:

Bunn

Little....Hughes....Dunn....Crowe

Gilligan....Jackman....Osman....Koke

Holt...Akinfenwa

[safcrhys]

Absolute disgrace of a performance, embarrasses, I am actually crapping myself incase we get beat.

[RAB SAFC 1879]

Rofl a wouldnt worry into it to much

[Lishman]

we have to be the luckiest club ever. We were shocking but still managed to get through, full credit to Northampton, they fully deserved to win.#

points:

again, i thought chopra was excellant, changed the game
nosworthy was hopeless, never won a ball in the air, gave the ball away and lots of silly fouls
whitehead is a joke and shouldnt be picked
reid propably had his worst game for us

i know it was the cup but we should be beating them in normal time

[Lishman]

this is off his e-mail:

It was a shambles of a night from start to finish.

The players and the fans just thought they could turn up and win a game of football, it doesn't happen, you have to run around, work hard.

I feel anger, frustration, disappointment - I could think of a few harsher words but you couldn't print them.

It was walking pace, the passing was awful, there was no running off the ball.
It was one of the longest nights I've ever had in my football career. I've done my cruciate, been sent off, lost titles, lost cups, but this is up there with them. I couldn't wait to see the back of it; it was a bad, bad night.
We started the game like it was going to be a walk in the park, we thought we could win the game without trying. My team normally works its socks off, not tonight.
How we are in the next round, I'll never know. It took us 86 minutes to get going. We can't keep getting out of jail like this. I can't think of any positives, non whatsoever, but credit to Northampton.
You look at my starting eleven - they should have been good enough to win it comfortably.
I regret not playing one or two of the younger players now, they would have done themselves no harm at all. But I brought in some international players and they should have been good enough.
One or two of them came to see me last week, saying they need to play games. Well, there you go, have a game, show me something. I don't think they will be coming to see me this week.
We should be praising Northampton tonight, not Sunderland.
I think Nyron [Nosworthy] has torn his hamstring.
Thanks for your support,

Roy Keane

[RAB SAFC 1879]

yea he sent me that aswell unlucky to northampton deserved the win

[smeltzerinho]

they aren't personal emails he wont a "write" a personal one to you

it's cool that he's so angry about it yet at the end of the day we're through to the next round.

[RAB SAFC 1879]

yer i know its not personal but i like the way it is hahah KEANOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO

OH GET DAVID HEALY TO ****

[safcrhys]

Sunderland 2-2 Northampton aet (4-3 pens) Carling Cup

Sunderland survived a major scare before beating Northampton on penalties to reach the Carling Cup fourth round. Colin Larkin's low finish put the Cobblers ahead after 20 minutes and Luke Guttridge slid in a second for the League One side with nine minutes left. Sunderland sub Anthony Stokes then forced extra time with two late goals. Stokes and Northampton's Mark Hughes missed in the shoot-out before Marton Fulop saved from Leon Constantine to put Sunderland through.

It was tough on Northampton, who looked well on course for victory until Stokes' dramatic intervention. He scrambled home after 86 minutes then headed in Andy Reid's corner via the crossbar three minutes into injury time. Michael Chopra scored Sunderland's first penalty, but Northampton's Mark Hughes missed with their opening attempt.

Daryl Murphy and Adebayo Akinfenwa both scored before Stokes clipped the bar to give Northampton renewed hope. Andy Holt and Abdul Osman scored for Northampton, with Andy Reid hitting the target for Sunderland in between. Kieran Richardson's successful spot-kick put the pressure on Constantine, and Fulop produced a superb save to break Northampton's hearts.

Man of the match:

Anthony Stokes (Sunderland)

Attendance:
21,000 approx

[safcrhys]

Aston Villa vs Sunderland - Game six

This will prove a very difficult game for Sunderland, we have never really got going so far this season but have still picked up points which is the mark of a good team. I still think that Villa will prove too much for us today and I wouldn't be too disappointed with a defeat. Villa have the best chance of breaking into the top 4 this season and should be looking to beat clubs like Sunderland especially at home.

Sunderland team news:

Sunderland defender Nyron Nosworthy is tipped to be out for atleast 4 weeks following his hamstring tear against Northampton on Tuesday, Grant Leadbitter is also sidelined with a broken nose and concussion, Phil Bardsley is a doubt with an ankle problem but George McCartney returns.

Sunderland expected line-up:

Gordon

Chimbonda....Ferdinand....Collins....McCartney

Diouf....Malbranque....Reid....Richardson

Chopra....Cissé

Aston Villa team news:

Villa are likely to name the same starting 11 that has featured in all 5 of their Premier League games so far, Steve Sidwell is still sidelined with calf and knee problems.

Aston Villa expected line-up:

Friedel

Young....Laursen....Davies....Shorey

Petrov....Young....Reo Coker....Barry

Carew....Agbonlahor

All time head-to-head:

Villa 63 wins, Sunderland 51 wins, 38 draws

Big match fact:

The Villans are defending an unbeaten home record, Sunderland are unbeaten away.

Last seasons corresponding game:

Aston Villa 0-1 Sunderland - 22 March
Chopra (83)

Referee:

Peter Walton (Northamptonshire)

My Prediction:

Aston Villa 2-1 Sunderland

[safcrhys]

1-0 Djibril Cissé, please let us keep a clean-sheet.