Peter Byrne/Pa Wire/Press Association Images
Sunderland welcome Hull and a familiar face to the Stadium of Light this Saturday afternoon, with the Black Cats looking to build on their highly impressive derby win last time out. The Tigers will be hoping they can stop their recent slide down the league table.
Match Preview
Steve Bruce will take his place in the away dug out on Saturday when he returns to Sunderland for the first time with his Hull side. Bruce achieved respectable mid-table finishes with the Wearside club (13th and 10th) but the ruddy faced Geordie probably won’t expect a good reception tomorrow, given his Newcastle connections. The sort of league position Bruce attained during his tenure at the club seemed like a distant fantasy to Sunderland fans before Christmas. In fact the Tigers hammered the Black Cats in the last fixture of 2013 to put a nine...
Sunderland welcome Hull and a familiar face to the Stadium of Light this Saturday afternoon, with the Black Cats looking to build on their highly impressive derby win last time out. The Tigers will be hoping they can stop their recent slide down the league table.
Match Preview
Steve Bruce will take his place in the away dug out on Saturday when he returns to Sunderland for the first time with his Hull side. Bruce achieved respectable mid-table finishes with the Wearside club (13th and 10th) but the ruddy faced Geordie probably won’t expect a good reception tomorrow, given his Newcastle connections. The sort of league position Bruce attained during his tenure at the club seemed like a distant fantasy to Sunderland fans before Christmas. In fact the Tigers hammered the Black Cats in the last fixture of 2013 to put a nine...
- 2/7/2014
- by Andrew Temperley
- Obsessed with Film
Barrington Coombs/Empics Sport
Sunderland have announced the double completed signings of Ignacio Scocco from Internacional and Liam Bridcutt from Brighton & Hove Albion.
The signing of the versatile attacker Ignacio Scocco was announced earlier this week, whilst Bridcutt was confirmed today.
Sunderland forked out a reported £3 million each for Argentine Scocco, 28, who follows compatriots Oscar Ustari and Santiago Vergini to the North East this January, and Liam Bridcutt, 24.
Sunderland will be hoping that Scocco will ease The Black Cats striker woes – Steven Fletcher and Jozy Altidore have a total of four goals between them this season – instead the goals of Adam Johnson keep Sunderland just above the bottom three.
Scocco has appeared for Argentina once – where he impressively scored twice against Brazil in an Americas Superclassic Cup match in Novemeber 2012.
Meanwhile, Scottish midfielder Liam Bridcutt rejoins former Brighton manager Gus Poyet at the Stadium of Light where he was a...
Sunderland have announced the double completed signings of Ignacio Scocco from Internacional and Liam Bridcutt from Brighton & Hove Albion.
The signing of the versatile attacker Ignacio Scocco was announced earlier this week, whilst Bridcutt was confirmed today.
Sunderland forked out a reported £3 million each for Argentine Scocco, 28, who follows compatriots Oscar Ustari and Santiago Vergini to the North East this January, and Liam Bridcutt, 24.
Sunderland will be hoping that Scocco will ease The Black Cats striker woes – Steven Fletcher and Jozy Altidore have a total of four goals between them this season – instead the goals of Adam Johnson keep Sunderland just above the bottom three.
Scocco has appeared for Argentina once – where he impressively scored twice against Brazil in an Americas Superclassic Cup match in Novemeber 2012.
Meanwhile, Scottish midfielder Liam Bridcutt rejoins former Brighton manager Gus Poyet at the Stadium of Light where he was a...
- 1/31/2014
- by Michael Newell
- Obsessed with Film
Owen Humphreys/Pa Wire/Press Association Images
Date: Wednesday, January 22 Venue: Old Trafford Kick-Off: 19:45
Can Manchester United overcome a 2-1 deficit against Sunderland when the two sides meet in tonight’s second leg of the Capital One Cup semi-finals?
Team News
Manchester United are once more expected to be without the injured Wayne Rooney, as well as strike partner Robin van Persie.
Captain Nemnaja Vidic is suspended following his red card against Chelsea at the weekend while Patrice Evra is also a doubt after limping out of that match.
Sunderland’s Steven Fletcher is doubtful with an Achilles injury, while goalkeeper Keiren Westwood and defender Carlos Cuellar remain sidelined.
(bbc)
Key Stats
Manchester United have won eight of their last nine League Cup semi-final ties, losing only to Chelsea in the 2004-05 season.
However, they must overturn a 2-1 deficit to reach this year’s final, after losing the...
Date: Wednesday, January 22 Venue: Old Trafford Kick-Off: 19:45
Can Manchester United overcome a 2-1 deficit against Sunderland when the two sides meet in tonight’s second leg of the Capital One Cup semi-finals?
Team News
Manchester United are once more expected to be without the injured Wayne Rooney, as well as strike partner Robin van Persie.
Captain Nemnaja Vidic is suspended following his red card against Chelsea at the weekend while Patrice Evra is also a doubt after limping out of that match.
Sunderland’s Steven Fletcher is doubtful with an Achilles injury, while goalkeeper Keiren Westwood and defender Carlos Cuellar remain sidelined.
(bbc)
Key Stats
Manchester United have won eight of their last nine League Cup semi-final ties, losing only to Chelsea in the 2004-05 season.
However, they must overturn a 2-1 deficit to reach this year’s final, after losing the...
- 1/22/2014
- by Joseph Dempsey
- Obsessed with Film
Richard Sellers/Empics Sport
Date: Tuesday, 7 January 2014; Venue: Stadium of Light, Sunderland; Kickoff: 19:45 GMT
Sunderland have not beaten Manchester United since they last met in the League Cup over 13 years ago. Kevin Phillips’s extra time penalty took the Black Cats into quarter-finals in November 2000 with Red Devils goalscorer Dwight Yorke being sent off.
United have since won 16 of the 20 subsequent encounters that have all come in the Premier League and the other four were drawn. The Black Cats will have home advantage first in this two-legged tie with the winners to face either West Ham United or Manchester City at Wembley.
Gus Poyet has had defensive injuries worrying him, but despite Sunderland’s struggle in the league they remain in both domestic cup competitions. The basement club of the English top flight will be targeting an upset in this first leg similar to their shock win over City in November.
Date: Tuesday, 7 January 2014; Venue: Stadium of Light, Sunderland; Kickoff: 19:45 GMT
Sunderland have not beaten Manchester United since they last met in the League Cup over 13 years ago. Kevin Phillips’s extra time penalty took the Black Cats into quarter-finals in November 2000 with Red Devils goalscorer Dwight Yorke being sent off.
United have since won 16 of the 20 subsequent encounters that have all come in the Premier League and the other four were drawn. The Black Cats will have home advantage first in this two-legged tie with the winners to face either West Ham United or Manchester City at Wembley.
Gus Poyet has had defensive injuries worrying him, but despite Sunderland’s struggle in the league they remain in both domestic cup competitions. The basement club of the English top flight will be targeting an upset in this first leg similar to their shock win over City in November.
- 1/7/2014
- by Jamie Clark
- Obsessed with Film
Alastair Grant/AP/Press Association Images
Alastair Grant/AP/Press Association Images
Sunderland Head Coach Gus Poyet could make a move for former Newcastle United winger Charles N’Zogbia as he looks to boost his squad ahead of an important relegation survival.
Frenchman N’Zogbia spent five years on Tyneside and could return to the North East this January in red and white this January, after falling out of favour at Aston Villa.
The 27 year old is said to be one of a few players on Poyet’s radar, who had this to say regarding transfers:
“The problem with putting a number on players is that I would like maybe three or four but it’s always so unpredictable,”
“The reality is, it’s almost pointless saying so at the outset because things can change so much. Initially though, three or four is the idea.”
Poyet has already added 23 year...
Alastair Grant/AP/Press Association Images
Sunderland Head Coach Gus Poyet could make a move for former Newcastle United winger Charles N’Zogbia as he looks to boost his squad ahead of an important relegation survival.
Frenchman N’Zogbia spent five years on Tyneside and could return to the North East this January in red and white this January, after falling out of favour at Aston Villa.
The 27 year old is said to be one of a few players on Poyet’s radar, who had this to say regarding transfers:
“The problem with putting a number on players is that I would like maybe three or four but it’s always so unpredictable,”
“The reality is, it’s almost pointless saying so at the outset because things can change so much. Initially though, three or four is the idea.”
Poyet has already added 23 year...
- 1/4/2014
- by Joseph Speckman
- Obsessed with Film
Media Image Ltd
Cardiff City started life after Malky Mackay with a deflating draw at home to basement club Sunderland as Jack Colback snatched a point for the Black Cats.
The Bluebirds led 2-0 through goals from Jordon Mutch and Fraizer Campbell before Steven Fletcher set up a grandstand finish by pulling one back for the visitors. Colback’s deflected effort deep inside stoppage time saw Sunderland continue their unbeaten run.
A point apiece kept Cardiff behind West Bromwich Albion on goal difference and saw the Black Cats edge close to safety. Gus Poyet’s side are now just a point behind West Ham and two adrift of Fulham and Crystal Palace.
Bluebirds caretaker David Kerslake brought Gary Medel back into midfield in one of three changes from Mackay’s last match in charge – a 3-0 home defeat to Southampton. Aron Gunnarsson and Peter Odemwingie made way whilst left back Andrew Taylor missed out injured.
Cardiff City started life after Malky Mackay with a deflating draw at home to basement club Sunderland as Jack Colback snatched a point for the Black Cats.
The Bluebirds led 2-0 through goals from Jordon Mutch and Fraizer Campbell before Steven Fletcher set up a grandstand finish by pulling one back for the visitors. Colback’s deflected effort deep inside stoppage time saw Sunderland continue their unbeaten run.
A point apiece kept Cardiff behind West Bromwich Albion on goal difference and saw the Black Cats edge close to safety. Gus Poyet’s side are now just a point behind West Ham and two adrift of Fulham and Crystal Palace.
Bluebirds caretaker David Kerslake brought Gary Medel back into midfield in one of three changes from Mackay’s last match in charge – a 3-0 home defeat to Southampton. Aron Gunnarsson and Peter Odemwingie made way whilst left back Andrew Taylor missed out injured.
- 12/29/2013
- by Jamie Clark
- Obsessed with Film
Media Image Ltd
Jack Colback’s deflected effort at the death rescued an unlikely point for basement club Sunderland at managerless Cardiff City. Goals from Fraizer Campbell and Jordon Mutch looked to have won a relegation six-pointer for the hosts. Steven Fletcher came off the bench to score the first of two late strikes for the Black Cats, however.
Referee Chris Foy booked Mutch in the first minute for a dive in the area when Sunderland centre back Valentin Roberge pulled out of a tackle. Mutch then headed over from Craig Noone’s centre as Cardiff started strongly.
With five minutes played the hosts went ahead. Campbell set Mutch away and his 20-yard shot deflected past Vito Mannone off Modibo Diakite. The Black Cats keeper then had to claw over from Korean midfielder Kim.
Mannone was almost caught out on 25 minutes when Peter Whittingham curled a free kick to the near post.
Jack Colback’s deflected effort at the death rescued an unlikely point for basement club Sunderland at managerless Cardiff City. Goals from Fraizer Campbell and Jordon Mutch looked to have won a relegation six-pointer for the hosts. Steven Fletcher came off the bench to score the first of two late strikes for the Black Cats, however.
Referee Chris Foy booked Mutch in the first minute for a dive in the area when Sunderland centre back Valentin Roberge pulled out of a tackle. Mutch then headed over from Craig Noone’s centre as Cardiff started strongly.
With five minutes played the hosts went ahead. Campbell set Mutch away and his 20-yard shot deflected past Vito Mannone off Modibo Diakite. The Black Cats keeper then had to claw over from Korean midfielder Kim.
Mannone was almost caught out on 25 minutes when Peter Whittingham curled a free kick to the near post.
- 12/28/2013
- by Jamie Clark
- Obsessed with Film
Media Image Ltd
Date: Saturday, 28 December; Venue: Cardiff City Stadium; Kickoff: 17:30 GMT
Sunderland have won on their last two visits to Cardiff City, but face the Bluebirds for the first time since they left Ninian Park. The Black Cats will start in the Welsh capital bottom of the Premier League despite a four-match unbeaten run in all competitions.
Gus Poyet’s side followed up two goalless draws and knocking Chelsea out of the Capital One Cup with a win over ten-man Everton on Boxing Day. If two teams from fellow strugglers Crystal Palace, Fulham and West Ham win earlier on Saturday, managerless Cardiff could also kickoff in the relegation zone.
Malky Mackay was offered the festive olive branch of keeping his job as Bluebirds boss for “the foreseeable future”, but club owner Vincent Tan snapped it on Friday after heavy defeats at Liverpool and home to Southampton either side of Christmas.
Date: Saturday, 28 December; Venue: Cardiff City Stadium; Kickoff: 17:30 GMT
Sunderland have won on their last two visits to Cardiff City, but face the Bluebirds for the first time since they left Ninian Park. The Black Cats will start in the Welsh capital bottom of the Premier League despite a four-match unbeaten run in all competitions.
Gus Poyet’s side followed up two goalless draws and knocking Chelsea out of the Capital One Cup with a win over ten-man Everton on Boxing Day. If two teams from fellow strugglers Crystal Palace, Fulham and West Ham win earlier on Saturday, managerless Cardiff could also kickoff in the relegation zone.
Malky Mackay was offered the festive olive branch of keeping his job as Bluebirds boss for “the foreseeable future”, but club owner Vincent Tan snapped it on Friday after heavy defeats at Liverpool and home to Southampton either side of Christmas.
- 12/27/2013
- by Jamie Clark
- Obsessed with Film
Media Image Ltd
Date: Saturday 21st December
Competition: Barclays Premier League
Venue: Stadium of Light
Kick-Off: 15:00
Sunderland will be looking to build on their Capital One Cup win over Chelsea in midweek with a result against fellow strugglers Norwich City.
The match has been billed as a ‘must win cup final’ for both sides, but a Sunderland win is a must if they are to go into a very busy period in the New Year still in high spirits.
Chris Hughton has said this week that despite Sunderland being bottom of the table, he isn’t underestimating the challenge ahead of him.
“It’s as big a challenge as any other game we play. They are on the back of a very good win midweek, albeit not in the league, so they’ll be buoyed by that, but that’s them.
“We are also in decent form ourselves, and...
Date: Saturday 21st December
Competition: Barclays Premier League
Venue: Stadium of Light
Kick-Off: 15:00
Sunderland will be looking to build on their Capital One Cup win over Chelsea in midweek with a result against fellow strugglers Norwich City.
The match has been billed as a ‘must win cup final’ for both sides, but a Sunderland win is a must if they are to go into a very busy period in the New Year still in high spirits.
Chris Hughton has said this week that despite Sunderland being bottom of the table, he isn’t underestimating the challenge ahead of him.
“It’s as big a challenge as any other game we play. They are on the back of a very good win midweek, albeit not in the league, so they’ll be buoyed by that, but that’s them.
“We are also in decent form ourselves, and...
- 12/20/2013
- by Joseph Speckman
- Obsessed with Film
Media Image Ltd
Things can’t get much worse for Sunderland this season. Gus Poyet’s side sit bottom of the Premier League on just nine points and despite their home performances surprising everyone against some of the bigger teams, their away trips have been ones to forget. And to make things worse, only two goals have been scored in eight games on the road this season.
Steven Fletcher hasn’t been the same player since picking up a long term injury at the back end of last season, Jozy Altidore has recently found his feet but the USA striker can’t argue with his league goal tally of one. And Liverpool loanee Fabio Borini has also only scored one goal, but hasn’t had enough game time to prove himself, but now isn’t the time to be trialling and testing new methods with relegation bells ringing.
Poyet has...
Things can’t get much worse for Sunderland this season. Gus Poyet’s side sit bottom of the Premier League on just nine points and despite their home performances surprising everyone against some of the bigger teams, their away trips have been ones to forget. And to make things worse, only two goals have been scored in eight games on the road this season.
Steven Fletcher hasn’t been the same player since picking up a long term injury at the back end of last season, Jozy Altidore has recently found his feet but the USA striker can’t argue with his league goal tally of one. And Liverpool loanee Fabio Borini has also only scored one goal, but hasn’t had enough game time to prove himself, but now isn’t the time to be trialling and testing new methods with relegation bells ringing.
Poyet has...
- 12/15/2013
- by Joseph Speckman
- Obsessed with Film
Media Image Ltd
Newcastle United host Manchester City in the fourth round of the Capital One Cup hungry for revenge after getting a Premier League hammering at the Etihad on the opening day of the season.
The ten-man Toon had four put past them as title contenders City ran riot on home turf. Alan Pardew has no doubt been using that drubbing as motivation for his Magpies to give a better account of themselves on Wednesday evening.
With a packed fixture programme and the usual cynicism that surrounds this competition for big clubs, we expect Manuel Pellegrini in particular to make changes. If you haven’t checked out Joseph Dempsey’s preview yet click here.
Ahead of a fixture which is likely to mean much more to Pardew than it does to his counterpart, we look at five key battles on the pitch where the tie may be won or lost.
Newcastle United host Manchester City in the fourth round of the Capital One Cup hungry for revenge after getting a Premier League hammering at the Etihad on the opening day of the season.
The ten-man Toon had four put past them as title contenders City ran riot on home turf. Alan Pardew has no doubt been using that drubbing as motivation for his Magpies to give a better account of themselves on Wednesday evening.
With a packed fixture programme and the usual cynicism that surrounds this competition for big clubs, we expect Manuel Pellegrini in particular to make changes. If you haven’t checked out Joseph Dempsey’s preview yet click here.
Ahead of a fixture which is likely to mean much more to Pardew than it does to his counterpart, we look at five key battles on the pitch where the tie may be won or lost.
- 10/30/2013
- by Jamie Clark
- Obsessed with Film
copyright Andrew Orchard
Date: Saturday, October 5 Venue: Stadium of Light Kick-Off: 17:30
Can Manchester United put their wretched start to the Premier League season behind them by beating rock-bottom Sunderland on Saturday?
Team News
Sunderland will welcome loan-signing Fabio Borini back into the squad after the striker sat out his side’s last game due to the stipulations agreed with his parent club Liverpool.
Steven Fletcher (dislocated shoulder), Wes Brown (calf) and Andrea Dossena (thigh) are still out.
Wayne Rooney is available for selection having missed Manchester United’s mid-week Champions League game with a shin injury.
However, Rio Ferdinand and Tom Cleverley are doubtful.
(BBC)
Key Stats
Sunderland have not beaten Manchester United in the Premier League since March 1997, when they won 2-1 at home.
United have their lowest points tally after six games of a Premier League season. It’s their worst top-flight start since 1989-90.
Sunderland are...
Date: Saturday, October 5 Venue: Stadium of Light Kick-Off: 17:30
Can Manchester United put their wretched start to the Premier League season behind them by beating rock-bottom Sunderland on Saturday?
Team News
Sunderland will welcome loan-signing Fabio Borini back into the squad after the striker sat out his side’s last game due to the stipulations agreed with his parent club Liverpool.
Steven Fletcher (dislocated shoulder), Wes Brown (calf) and Andrea Dossena (thigh) are still out.
Wayne Rooney is available for selection having missed Manchester United’s mid-week Champions League game with a shin injury.
However, Rio Ferdinand and Tom Cleverley are doubtful.
(BBC)
Key Stats
Sunderland have not beaten Manchester United in the Premier League since March 1997, when they won 2-1 at home.
United have their lowest points tally after six games of a Premier League season. It’s their worst top-flight start since 1989-90.
Sunderland are...
- 10/4/2013
- by Joseph Dempsey
- Obsessed with Film
Media Image Ltd
The news of Paolo Di Canio’s dismissal as Sunderland Manager has brought the football-loving populous among us into a state of shock. This early in the season, it appears ridiculous for any club to see fit to remove their manager, as a team’s season is not determined in the first five games of the campaign. Lest us forget that whilst Sunderland’s end of season run-in was not exactly the most scintillating of action, Di Canio’s passion and freshness brought the club three vital wins in avoiding relegation.
Furthermore, the board had seemingly given the Italian, 45, the opportunity to scour the globe for new players, with Sunderland bringing no less than fourteen new players, whilst simultaneously casting out a further sixteen players from Martin O’Neill’s former conglomeration. That much of an overhaul would normally demonstrate a supreme confidence in the manager’s...
The news of Paolo Di Canio’s dismissal as Sunderland Manager has brought the football-loving populous among us into a state of shock. This early in the season, it appears ridiculous for any club to see fit to remove their manager, as a team’s season is not determined in the first five games of the campaign. Lest us forget that whilst Sunderland’s end of season run-in was not exactly the most scintillating of action, Di Canio’s passion and freshness brought the club three vital wins in avoiding relegation.
Furthermore, the board had seemingly given the Italian, 45, the opportunity to scour the globe for new players, with Sunderland bringing no less than fourteen new players, whilst simultaneously casting out a further sixteen players from Martin O’Neill’s former conglomeration. That much of an overhaul would normally demonstrate a supreme confidence in the manager’s...
- 9/24/2013
- by Callum Wiggins
- Obsessed with Film
Media Image Ltd
Date: Tuesday, September 24 Venue: Stadium of Light Kick-Off: 19:45
Sunderland begin life without manager Paolo Di Canio as they welcome Peterborough to the Stadium of Light for tonight’s Capital One Cup clash.
Team News
Kevin Ball will take charge of Sunderland tonight in the wake of the sacking of manager Paolo Di Canio.
And he has an instant obstacle to overcome in that he will be without star-striker Steven Fletcher, who sustained a suspected dislocated shoulder in the 3-0 defeat to West Brom over the weekend.
Peterborough will be without suspended duo Nathaniel Knight-Percival and Mark Little, who were sent off in Saturday’s 2-1 win over Mk Dons and serve the first of their three-match bans.
However, manager Darren Ferguson could welcome Danny Kearns back into the side, despite the midfielder missing out at the weekend due to a knock.
(BBC)
Key Stats
Tonight’s...
Date: Tuesday, September 24 Venue: Stadium of Light Kick-Off: 19:45
Sunderland begin life without manager Paolo Di Canio as they welcome Peterborough to the Stadium of Light for tonight’s Capital One Cup clash.
Team News
Kevin Ball will take charge of Sunderland tonight in the wake of the sacking of manager Paolo Di Canio.
And he has an instant obstacle to overcome in that he will be without star-striker Steven Fletcher, who sustained a suspected dislocated shoulder in the 3-0 defeat to West Brom over the weekend.
Peterborough will be without suspended duo Nathaniel Knight-Percival and Mark Little, who were sent off in Saturday’s 2-1 win over Mk Dons and serve the first of their three-match bans.
However, manager Darren Ferguson could welcome Danny Kearns back into the side, despite the midfielder missing out at the weekend due to a knock.
(BBC)
Key Stats
Tonight’s...
- 9/24/2013
- by Joseph Dempsey
- Obsessed with Film
After a long international break the Premier League returns this weekend and one of the stand out fixtures is at the Stadium of Light where Sunderland entertain Arsenal. The Gunners are coming into the game off an impressive win in the North London derby recovering well after a worrying home defeat on the opening day, Arsenal will now be looking once again to be challenging hard for a top 4 place.
Sunderland on the other hand have started the season off badly with just one point from their 3 games and are already under pressure with a home loss to Fulham, drawing with Southampton then a defeat over at new boys Crystal Palace. The Palace game would have been a shocking one for the Sunderland faithful to lose 3-1 to a newly promoted team must have been tough and already this season is starting much like the last one which has kept the fans uneasy.
Sunderland on the other hand have started the season off badly with just one point from their 3 games and are already under pressure with a home loss to Fulham, drawing with Southampton then a defeat over at new boys Crystal Palace. The Palace game would have been a shocking one for the Sunderland faithful to lose 3-1 to a newly promoted team must have been tough and already this season is starting much like the last one which has kept the fans uneasy.
- 9/13/2013
- by Ian Newby
- Obsessed with Film
Wayne Rooney is a surprise inclusion in the England squad for their clash with “The Auld Enemy” on Wednesday night.
The want-away United striker has played a mere 45 minutes in pre-season, and major questions will be asked whether a player with so little game time should have been included.
Aside from “Wazza”, it’s a vital preparation game for Roy Hodgson ahead of FIFA World Cup qualifiers next month. He’ll also have a chance to blood 31-year-old striker Rickie Lambert, the Southampton star who scored 15 Premier League goals last season is yet to be capped for England.
Scotland, under new manager Gordon Strachan, have been going well of late, winning 1-0 in Croatia courtesy of a Robert Snodgrass strike. It’ll be a chance for the former Liverpool manager to try out certain players, with international debuts expected for Brighton and Hove Albion’s defender Gordon Greer and Dundee...
The want-away United striker has played a mere 45 minutes in pre-season, and major questions will be asked whether a player with so little game time should have been included.
Aside from “Wazza”, it’s a vital preparation game for Roy Hodgson ahead of FIFA World Cup qualifiers next month. He’ll also have a chance to blood 31-year-old striker Rickie Lambert, the Southampton star who scored 15 Premier League goals last season is yet to be capped for England.
Scotland, under new manager Gordon Strachan, have been going well of late, winning 1-0 in Croatia courtesy of a Robert Snodgrass strike. It’ll be a chance for the former Liverpool manager to try out certain players, with international debuts expected for Brighton and Hove Albion’s defender Gordon Greer and Dundee...
- 8/14/2013
- by Diarmuid Hickey
- Obsessed with Film
Tottenham Hotspur welcome Sunderland to White Hart Lane this afternoon for what could be a pivotal game in the race for Champions League football. Spurs currently are fifth, one point behind Arsenal and with an inferior goal difference going into today’s game. Only a victory for Tottenham and Arsenal failing to beat Newcastle will see Andre Villas-Boas achieve his goal of taking Spurs back into Europe’s elite.
Tottenham vs Spurs kicks-off at 4pm and will be screened live on Sky Sports 2 on UK Television. Here’s the team news ahead of the game…
Spurs are still without long-term absentees William Gallas (calf), Younes Kaboul (thigh) and Brazilian midfielder Sandro (knee). Left full-back Benoit Assou-Ekotto could however return after recovering from the knee injury that saw him miss last weekend’s win at Stoke. He has trained with the team ahead of this final day clash and could be declared fit to start.
Tottenham vs Spurs kicks-off at 4pm and will be screened live on Sky Sports 2 on UK Television. Here’s the team news ahead of the game…
Spurs are still without long-term absentees William Gallas (calf), Younes Kaboul (thigh) and Brazilian midfielder Sandro (knee). Left full-back Benoit Assou-Ekotto could however return after recovering from the knee injury that saw him miss last weekend’s win at Stoke. He has trained with the team ahead of this final day clash and could be declared fit to start.
- 5/19/2013
- by Matt Holmes
- Obsessed with Film
Venue: Stadium of Light Date: Saturday, 20th April K/o: 15:00 Team News
Sunderland will be without Craig Gardner for today’s visit of Everton as the midfielder continues his suspension, while Connor Wickham remains a doubt with injury.
Steven Fletcher and Lee Cattermole have been ruled out for the season, so manager Paolo di Canio may pick the same side that beat Newcastle 3-0.
Everton will hand a fitness test to Leon Osman after the midfielder missed the Arsenal game with a groin strain.
Defender Tony Hibbert has been ramping up his return to match fitness by training with the under-21 side but still lacks match fitness.
Key Stats
Sunderland are without a win against Everton in each of their last 19 attempts.
Claudio Reyna scored the only goal of the game the last time the Black Cats prevailed in this fixture – back in 2001.
Sunderland’s biggest derby win in...
Sunderland will be without Craig Gardner for today’s visit of Everton as the midfielder continues his suspension, while Connor Wickham remains a doubt with injury.
Steven Fletcher and Lee Cattermole have been ruled out for the season, so manager Paolo di Canio may pick the same side that beat Newcastle 3-0.
Everton will hand a fitness test to Leon Osman after the midfielder missed the Arsenal game with a groin strain.
Defender Tony Hibbert has been ramping up his return to match fitness by training with the under-21 side but still lacks match fitness.
Key Stats
Sunderland are without a win against Everton in each of their last 19 attempts.
Claudio Reyna scored the only goal of the game the last time the Black Cats prevailed in this fixture – back in 2001.
Sunderland’s biggest derby win in...
- 4/20/2013
- by Joseph Dempsey
- Obsessed with Film
The 148th Tyne/Wear derby sees Newcastle United looking to increase their winning total of 54 wins against bitter rivals Sunderland. For the relegation sinking away side, they will be looking for their 45th victory against The Magpies. In total, there have been 49 draws in this fiercest of local derbies.
Today’s match between a resurgent Newcastle and new boss Paulo Di Canio’s fighting spirit of Black Cats will be played out in front of live Sky television cameras at 12pm. Here’s the team news ahead of today’s game…
For Newcastle, Yoan Gouffran and Mathieu Debuchy are eligible to play in the derby after missing Thursday’s night action due to their previous engagement in Europe this season. Debuchy looks set to start having missed the last few games with injury.
Cheick Tiote and Steven Taylor should both return to the squad after their knocks, with Hatem Ben...
Today’s match between a resurgent Newcastle and new boss Paulo Di Canio’s fighting spirit of Black Cats will be played out in front of live Sky television cameras at 12pm. Here’s the team news ahead of today’s game…
For Newcastle, Yoan Gouffran and Mathieu Debuchy are eligible to play in the derby after missing Thursday’s night action due to their previous engagement in Europe this season. Debuchy looks set to start having missed the last few games with injury.
Cheick Tiote and Steven Taylor should both return to the squad after their knocks, with Hatem Ben...
- 4/14/2013
- by Matt Holmes
- Obsessed with Film
Sunderland surprisingly sacked manager Martin O’Neill last night, with just seven games of the Premier League season remaining.
The Black Cats are without a league win since January 19th when they prevailed 3-2 over Wigan, and have suffered an eight-game spell without victory. That has led to a dangerous slump toward the bottom three and with a relegation scrap well and truly on their hands, the Sunderland board have decided it is now time for a change in direction.
O’Neill replaced Steve Bruce at the helm a little over a year ago but becomes the fifth Premier League manager to lose his job this season following Roberto Di Matteo, Mark Hughes, Nigel Adkins and Brian McDermott’s dismissals.
Sunderland are currently 1 point above the relegation zone having played a game more than those below them, and will be without star striker Steven Fletcher for the rest of the campaign.
The Black Cats are without a league win since January 19th when they prevailed 3-2 over Wigan, and have suffered an eight-game spell without victory. That has led to a dangerous slump toward the bottom three and with a relegation scrap well and truly on their hands, the Sunderland board have decided it is now time for a change in direction.
O’Neill replaced Steve Bruce at the helm a little over a year ago but becomes the fifth Premier League manager to lose his job this season following Roberto Di Matteo, Mark Hughes, Nigel Adkins and Brian McDermott’s dismissals.
Sunderland are currently 1 point above the relegation zone having played a game more than those below them, and will be without star striker Steven Fletcher for the rest of the campaign.
- 3/31/2013
- by Joseph Dempsey
- Obsessed with Film
Sunderland have sacked manager Martin O’Neill following this afternoon’s defeat to Manchester United and recent slump in form.
The Black Cats are without a Premier League win since the 3-2 win over Wigan on January 19th and have recently become embroiled in a relegation scrap. They are just one point from safety and have played a game more than rivals Wigan, Aston Villa and Queens Park Rangers.
The Northern Irishman became the bookmaker’s favourite for the axe recently and leaves his post a little over a year after replacing Steve Bruce at the helm.
Sunderland have been hit with an injury crisis recently as Lee Cattermole joined star striker Steven Fletcher in being ruled out for the rest of the season, leading to concerns over the club’s top flight status.
The North East club will be dragged into the relegation zone if Wigan and Aston Villa...
The Black Cats are without a Premier League win since the 3-2 win over Wigan on January 19th and have recently become embroiled in a relegation scrap. They are just one point from safety and have played a game more than rivals Wigan, Aston Villa and Queens Park Rangers.
The Northern Irishman became the bookmaker’s favourite for the axe recently and leaves his post a little over a year after replacing Steve Bruce at the helm.
Sunderland have been hit with an injury crisis recently as Lee Cattermole joined star striker Steven Fletcher in being ruled out for the rest of the season, leading to concerns over the club’s top flight status.
The North East club will be dragged into the relegation zone if Wigan and Aston Villa...
- 3/30/2013
- by Joseph Dempsey
- Obsessed with Film
Sunderland have announced on their official website that they have parted company with manager Martin O’Neill with immediate effect.
The announcement, which came after the Black Cats’ home loss to Manchester United in the Premier league this afternoon read as follows:
The club has parted company with manager Martin O’Neill.
Sunderland Afc has announced that it has parted company with manager Martin O’Neill this evening.
The club would like to place on record its thanks to Martin and wishes him well for the future.
An announcement will be made in the coming days regarding a successor.
No further information is yet forthcoming on the news, but it is expected that O’Neill was sacked in direct response to the sides poor form, and the quality of performances put in this season, which now sees Sunderland hovering perilously close to the Premier League drop zone.
O’Neill took...
The announcement, which came after the Black Cats’ home loss to Manchester United in the Premier league this afternoon read as follows:
The club has parted company with manager Martin O’Neill.
Sunderland Afc has announced that it has parted company with manager Martin O’Neill this evening.
The club would like to place on record its thanks to Martin and wishes him well for the future.
An announcement will be made in the coming days regarding a successor.
No further information is yet forthcoming on the news, but it is expected that O’Neill was sacked in direct response to the sides poor form, and the quality of performances put in this season, which now sees Sunderland hovering perilously close to the Premier League drop zone.
O’Neill took...
- 3/30/2013
- by Simon Gallagher
- Obsessed with Film
Date: Saturday 30th March Venue: Stadium of Light K/o: 12:45pm
Sir Alex Ferguson has taken the luxury of being able to rest a number of key players for this clash with Sunderland at the Stadium of Light. With a healthy 15 point gap at the top of the Premier League table, the veteran manager has extra breathing space and the upcoming heavyweight clash with Chelsea in the Fa Cup on Monday has significantly swayed his team selection, with Ryan Giggs, Wayne Rooney, Paul Scholes, Phil Jones and Rio Ferdinand all left out.
Martin O’Neill’s team have gone seven games without a win and have taken just three points from a possible 21, while the Black Cats have won just one of 23 league games against Manchester United since the Premier League began.
Ferguson’s men have a huge incentive to take this game with the utmost seriousness, and though...
Sir Alex Ferguson has taken the luxury of being able to rest a number of key players for this clash with Sunderland at the Stadium of Light. With a healthy 15 point gap at the top of the Premier League table, the veteran manager has extra breathing space and the upcoming heavyweight clash with Chelsea in the Fa Cup on Monday has significantly swayed his team selection, with Ryan Giggs, Wayne Rooney, Paul Scholes, Phil Jones and Rio Ferdinand all left out.
Martin O’Neill’s team have gone seven games without a win and have taken just three points from a possible 21, while the Black Cats have won just one of 23 league games against Manchester United since the Premier League began.
Ferguson’s men have a huge incentive to take this game with the utmost seriousness, and though...
- 3/30/2013
- by Joseph Dempsey
- Obsessed with Film
Venue: Stadium of Light Date: Saturday 30th March Kick-Off: 12.45pm TV: Live on Sky Sports 2 from 12.00pm Match Preview
Read our full match preview here.
Team News
The Black cats will be without top scorer Steven Fletcher after the striker ruptured his ankle ligaments on international duty with Scotland, with the injury sidelining Fletcher for the remainder of the season.
Carlos Cuellar will also miss out due to an ankle injury, but Stephane Sessegnon is expected to return after recent injury problems.
Black Cats skipper Lee Cattermole is also out for the rest of the season according to the Shields Gazette, with Martin O’Neill admitting that the former Wigan man’s stuttering career and recurring injuries are a concern.
“I’ve not had the chance to check his whole record here. But just during my time here, he’s missed really big chunks of the season for either suspension or injury.
Read our full match preview here.
Team News
The Black cats will be without top scorer Steven Fletcher after the striker ruptured his ankle ligaments on international duty with Scotland, with the injury sidelining Fletcher for the remainder of the season.
Carlos Cuellar will also miss out due to an ankle injury, but Stephane Sessegnon is expected to return after recent injury problems.
Black Cats skipper Lee Cattermole is also out for the rest of the season according to the Shields Gazette, with Martin O’Neill admitting that the former Wigan man’s stuttering career and recurring injuries are a concern.
“I’ve not had the chance to check his whole record here. But just during my time here, he’s missed really big chunks of the season for either suspension or injury.
- 3/30/2013
- by Adam Fishwick
- Obsessed with Film
It all looks grim for Sunderland fans at the moment: going into Saturday’s match against Manchester United, the Black Cats currently find themselves in a dismal run of form. Martin O’Neill’s men have gone seven games without a win, and have picked up just three points from a possible 21. Add to that the recent season-ending injuries to top scorer Steven Fletcher and captain Lee Cattermole, and the Wearsiders have the odds well and truly stacked against them. Sunderland fans will be hoping that Danny Graham can finally open his scoring account with the striker having failed to add to the seven goals he already has to his name this season, prior to his January switch from Swansea. In the absence of Fletcher, the alternative isn’t an option. United on the other hand, are out to grab their seventh straight league win and a sixth successive clean sheet,...
- 3/30/2013
- by Adam Fishwick
- Obsessed with Film
Home Nations rivals Scotland and Wales will face-off tomorrow at Hampden Park, with both sides needing a win to keep any hope alive of qualifying for the 2014 World Cup in Brazil.
The two bottom sides in Group A met last October at the Millenium Stadium with Wales emerging victorious thanks to a Gareth Bale double. James Morrison had earlier scored for the Scots and Steven Fletcher had a goal disallowed but like much of Craig Levein’s tenure as Scotland manager luck was not on their side.
Chris Coleman also has not endured the best of times as a national team manager. However, he picked up his second win as Wales manager in February when Austria were beaten 2-1. This gives them some momentum going into this match. Scotland also have a new sense of optimism with former Celtic boss Gordon Strachan now at the helm and he will be...
The two bottom sides in Group A met last October at the Millenium Stadium with Wales emerging victorious thanks to a Gareth Bale double. James Morrison had earlier scored for the Scots and Steven Fletcher had a goal disallowed but like much of Craig Levein’s tenure as Scotland manager luck was not on their side.
Chris Coleman also has not endured the best of times as a national team manager. However, he picked up his second win as Wales manager in February when Austria were beaten 2-1. This gives them some momentum going into this match. Scotland also have a new sense of optimism with former Celtic boss Gordon Strachan now at the helm and he will be...
- 3/22/2013
- by Adam Henderson
- Obsessed with Film
There has been much discussion amongst Liverpool fans about the need for a big impact signing, possibly in the form of Dutch maestro, Wesley Sneijder. Of course Sneijder is going to come with a large price tag – not just his $10 million pound transfer fee but his extortionate wages – which if signed by Liverpool would make him a higher earner than captain Steven Gerrard and superstar Luis Suarez. That shouldn’t happen, especially with Sneijder’s injury issues and his worth to Liverpool upon his signing.
Please Note: Since this article was drafted, Sneijder now looks close to moving to Galatasaray.
A big price does not always correlate to a good player. Prices can get pushed up for various reasons: the buying club may be desperate, the buying club may have excessive funds and are there to be exploited or the player is so valuable to the selling club that they...
Please Note: Since this article was drafted, Sneijder now looks close to moving to Galatasaray.
A big price does not always correlate to a good player. Prices can get pushed up for various reasons: the buying club may be desperate, the buying club may have excessive funds and are there to be exploited or the player is so valuable to the selling club that they...
- 1/21/2013
- by Sam Moore
- Obsessed with Film
Venue: Dw Stadium Date: Saturday, 19th January K/o: 15:00 Team News
Wigan defender Ivan Ramis has been ruled out for the rest of the season with a knee injury. Antolin Alcaraz is also missing, but new signings Roger Espinoza and Angelo Henriquez are both pushing for starts.
Sunderland striker Steven Fletcher will face a late fitness test after missing the third-round Fa Cup replay against Bolton through illness.
Alfred N’Diaye is available for selection again after missing the Bolton clash due to ineligibility.
Match Preview
Sunderland’s fortunes have dramatically changed this season. Just a year ago, Martin O’Neill’s men arrived at the Dw Stadium full of confidence and came out with a 4-1 victory, which was then their third in four matches. By February they sat 8th in the Premier League and were every inch European contenders.
Fast forward twelve months and Sunderland are sitting...
Wigan defender Ivan Ramis has been ruled out for the rest of the season with a knee injury. Antolin Alcaraz is also missing, but new signings Roger Espinoza and Angelo Henriquez are both pushing for starts.
Sunderland striker Steven Fletcher will face a late fitness test after missing the third-round Fa Cup replay against Bolton through illness.
Alfred N’Diaye is available for selection again after missing the Bolton clash due to ineligibility.
Match Preview
Sunderland’s fortunes have dramatically changed this season. Just a year ago, Martin O’Neill’s men arrived at the Dw Stadium full of confidence and came out with a 4-1 victory, which was then their third in four matches. By February they sat 8th in the Premier League and were every inch European contenders.
Fast forward twelve months and Sunderland are sitting...
- 1/19/2013
- by Joseph Dempsey
- Obsessed with Film
Sunderland are said to be winning the race to sign Paris St Germain forward Guillaume Hoarau, according to a report in The Sun.
Manager Martin O’Neill is in the market for a new striker with Steven Fletcher his only consistent forward so far this season. Former Manchester United duo Fraizer Campbell and Louis Saha have yet to play a whole 90 minutes for the club so far this season.
Hoarau has only 6 months left on his current contract with Paris St Germain, whilst Everton and Liverpool are also thought to be interested in the 28 year old.
The former Le Havre forward, who scored 33 times in 81 appearances for the Lige 2 side, is known for his strength and aerial abilities, standing at an imposing 6ft.
He came through the youth ranks at Reunion Premier League side Saint-Pierroise between 1994 and 2004 before his move to Le Havre, where he spent four years. He later...
Manager Martin O’Neill is in the market for a new striker with Steven Fletcher his only consistent forward so far this season. Former Manchester United duo Fraizer Campbell and Louis Saha have yet to play a whole 90 minutes for the club so far this season.
Hoarau has only 6 months left on his current contract with Paris St Germain, whilst Everton and Liverpool are also thought to be interested in the 28 year old.
The former Le Havre forward, who scored 33 times in 81 appearances for the Lige 2 side, is known for his strength and aerial abilities, standing at an imposing 6ft.
He came through the youth ranks at Reunion Premier League side Saint-Pierroise between 1994 and 2004 before his move to Le Havre, where he spent four years. He later...
- 1/3/2013
- by Joseph Dempsey
- Obsessed with Film
It wasn’t the most eye catching signing of the summer transfer window, overshadowed by the thrilling raw talent of Eden Hazard and the colossus of last season’s Barclays Premier League Robin van Persie who moved to Chelsea and Manchester United respectively, but tucked away in the North East of England, Sunderland’s manager Martin O’Neil had his eyes on a particular player in Steven Fletcher. A puzzling choice for many at the time; a well thought of ‘decent’ player for a bottom half side with little in the way of aspirations other than avoiding relegation. However, O’Neil was convinced that Fletcher was no mere ‘decent’ player and was in fact a diamond in the rough, a diamond in the end worth a possible £14 million.
On 22nd August Fletcher made his big money move from the Molineux to the Stadium of Light where he was destined to make an instant impact.
On 22nd August Fletcher made his big money move from the Molineux to the Stadium of Light where he was destined to make an instant impact.
- 10/5/2012
- by Anders Anglesey
- Obsessed with Film
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