Media mash-up continues as a batch of local reporters preview Sunderland’s latest fixture providing insight, analysis and opinion.
Next up, Nick Barnes, James Hunter and Richard Mennear preview the Lads’ trip to St Mary’s to take on Southampton.
Nick Barnes (@Tweed_Barnesy) – BBC Radio Newcastle
With a win under their belts albeit in the League Cup against League One opposition, Sunderland head to the south coast also buoyed by the signing of right back Javier Manquillo. Losing Vito Mannone in the week was another blow but in Jordan Pickford Sunderland has an able replacement. Despite the two defeats to Manchester City and Middlesbrough there were positive signs from both matches and Southampton themselves have not had the best start to the season. There will be pressure on them at home and against a team perceived to be struggling although Claude Puel will have done his homework and Southampton won’t take Sunderland lightly. David Moyes still has a headache over his defence and it’s an area Southampton will inevitably try and exploit but if Sunderland can show some resolve in that area they will create chances at the other end. The big question is can they take them? They spurned good opportunities against Middlesbrough. They can’t afford to do so again at St.Mary’s.
Richard Mennear (@RichMennearJP) – Sunderland Echo
Sunderland came within seconds of pulling off a superb win on the south coast last season, Virgil van Dijk's 93rd minute equaliser snatching away three points. Can Sunderland go one better this time round? With injuries decimating David Moyes' options, a tough afternoon on the south coast against Claude Puel's Saints side beckons. Southampton may have sold Sadio Mane, Graziano Pelle and Victor Wanyama this summer but they still retain an attacking threat in Shane Long, Charlie Austin and Nathan Redmond. Sunderland’s makeshift central defensive pairing of Jack Rodwell and Papy Djilobodji will face a difficult afternoon trying to keep them under wraps. That's where the game will be won or lost. A morale-boosting win is needed but a draw would still be a good result. Sunderland are due a change in fortunes.
James Hunter (@JHunterChron) – The Chronicle
With an international break looming, tomorrow's game will define the mood on Wearside for the next fortnight. Win at Southampton, and Sunderland's start will not look so bad – three points from three games, and a place in the next round of the cup, despite a lengthy injury list. Of course, the Saints are a decent side and even a draw at St Mary's would not be a bad result for David Moyes' side. But if the Black Cats lose and reach September without a point on the board, the outlook will be bleak. The addition of right-back Javi Manquillo this week has strengthened the right-back position but – whatever the outcome on the South Coast – there is still work to be done before the transfer window closes on Wednesday.
The views expressed within this article are the views of the individual contributors and not necessarily those of Sunderland AFC.
Match betting odds with Dafabet
Jermain Defoe to score first now 10/1 (was 8/1)
Adnan Januzaj to score anytime now 9/2 (was 15/4)
Sunderland to win and under 2.50 goals now 11/1 (was 17/2)
Sunderland to win and both teams to score now 14/1 (was 12/1)
Visit Dafabet’s official website for more odds
Odds are correct at time of publishing and are subject to change. T&C’s apply. Please gamble responsibly. 18+
