Still smarting from the Tyne and Wear derby, Thomas Sorensen, Rory Delap, Danny Collins, Danny Higginbotham, Dean Whitehead and summer signing Kenwyne Jones return to Wearside attempting to inflict more misery on their former employers.
Whitehead was a very popular figure during his time at the Stadium of Light making almost 200 appearances for the club in his five-year spell and is wary of a Sunderland backlash: “They will be reeling after what happened last weekend and you can bet your life they will be fired up for this one,” said the 28-year-old.
“It is dangerous for us. Their pride has been hurt and so they will have extra fire in their bellies to put things right, but we have to not worry about them and worry about ourselves and do things that we have not been doing recently,” he added.
The Potters are currently on a run of three straight losses in the Premier League but Whitehead feels his side are not getting the rub of the green especially after some very dubious refereeing decisions following comments made my Fulham midfielder Danny Murphy who publicly criticised Stoke’s physical style of play: "I think the comments Danny Murphy made have highlighted us as a club. It's put us in the spotlight and you get labelled. It's plain to see we aren't getting the decisions. You just hope these things even out.”
Stoke have dragged themselves to the foot of the table but having hit the woodwork more times than any other team in the Premier League this season, Tony Pulis will know that there is no need to panic and make drastic changes to his side’s approach. Whitehead added: "In none of the games we've lost have we been out-played.”
At times though, Stoke have been their own worst enemy falling behind too often in games and this weekend especially, Pulis will know that Stoke need to come out firing to keep the home fans quiet and nervous on the back of last weekend’s horror show.The Stoke trio of Ricardo Fuller, Salif Diao and ex-Mackem Rory Delap are to undergo fitness tests before the long trip north but goalkeeper Thomas Sorensen should return between the posts after recovering in time from his elbow injury.
Sorensen could be in for a busy afternoon on his return to Sunderland with Steve Bruce confirming Ballon d’Or nominee and record signing; Asamoah Gyan will make his first start of the season partnering Darren Bent in attack for the Black Cats. Gyan’s nomination is perhaps more a token gesture from FIFA to thank the African continent for the hosting of the World Cup but having splashed out £13 million for the Ghanaian, Bruce will be hoping he repays the faith shown in him.
“He has waited patiently for his chance and now is the right time. He is a big player. We've let him gently bed in and get used to being here, and it's about time we unleashed him and see what he's got,” said Bruce.
Bruce, who has been heavily criticised for his team selection at St James's Park, despite his side's seven game unbeaten run leading up the derby, is expected to make other changes to his side.
Scotland Number One Craig Gordon is certain to come in for young Belgian keeper Simon Mignolet, as well as former Manchester United midfielder Kieran Richardson, now the club's first-choice left-back. Ghana captain John Mensah is also favourite to replace the suspended Titus Bramble in defence following his sending off at Newcastle.
Stoke’s record signing Kenwyne Jones returns to Sunderland for the first time since his summer move to the Potteries and should expect a warm welcome back on Wearside. However the Trinidad and Tobago star will be hungry to add to his goal tally of five goals in 11 games. His performance will no doubt come under scrutiny with Bruce deeming Jones surplus to requirements due to his inconsistency. Instead, Bruce opted to splash out on Gyan after impressing for Rennes in France and at the World Cup helping Ghana reach the quarter-finals.
Sunderland chairman Niall Quinn will be hoping his manager made the right decision as he prepares to unleash Gyan on Saturday as he looks for his first home goal to add to his strike at Wigan on his debut.
Quinn has challenged the players to respond from their derby drubbing against Stoke on Saturday and has also issued an apology to the fans. As a former player himself, he will know how much each individual has been feeling in the aftermath of Sunday’s defeat: “While everybody here is suffering, the players' hurt must be galvanised into a big performance on Saturday. We may have to spend a long time apologising but this entire football club knows that it owes its people right now and, for me, that is the priority."
This week marks a special milestone for Tony Pulis who celebrated his eight year anniversary since he was first appointed the manager of Stoke City. It has been a rollercoaster ride for the Welshman enduing some low points and pantomime moments along the way but he has rode the challenge and remains a pivotal part in the current and future success of the club. Heading to the Stadium of Light for a Premier League seems a long way from his first game with the Potters languishing near the bottom of the old Division One with fans and pundits alike wondering “Who is that guy in the baseball cap?”
No comments:
Post a Comment