David Moyes has called on Sunderland’s fans to make the Stadium of Light a cauldron of noise in Sunday’s Wear-Tees derby.
While defeat was suffered in the Black Cats Premier League opener at Manchester City last weekend, the Lads were resilient as they held their nerve following Sergio Aguero's early penalty, limiting a star-studded City side to few chances.
Jermain Defoe's incisive finish in the 71st minute raised hopes of a point, but a last-gasp own goal from the unfortunate Paddy McNair saw City edge the encounter.
However, with the Lads working tirelessly at the Academy of Light this week to ensure a better finish to Sunday’s game against Aitor Karanka's Middlesbrough at the Stadium of Light, Moyes has called on the help of the fans to make it a daunting experience for their Teesside counterparts.
“I’m looking forward to the game because I always thought coming to the Stadium of Light had a big atmosphere and a big crowd,” he said.
“One of my jobs is to raise expectations, I want to have a full stadium because that means fans are seeing the things they want to see and they are seeing improvements.
“My plan is to make sure that’s what the supporters get. I’ve had lots of memories at the Stadium of Light but I’ve got to make sure the teams that come here don’t find it a nice place to come and play."
Sunderland to Win 1-0 now 7/1 (was 11/2)
