Media mash-up continues as a batch of local reporters preview Sunderland’s latest fixture providing insight, analysis and opinion.
Next up, Richard Mennear, Nick Barnes and James Hunter, preview the Lads return to action against Hull City at the Stadium of Light.
Richard Mennear (@RichMennearJP) – Sunderland Echo
Arguably one of the biggest games of the Premier League weekend, Sunderland host Hull City on Saturday. Both are struggling at the wrong end of the table but both go into the game boosted by a win before the international break. Victory at Bournemouth was massive for the Black Cats, finally putting an end to the 10-game winless streak. It was a gritty, determined and resilient display by 10-man Sunderland, an almighty morale and confidence booster ahead of the Hull clash. Both sides have some momentum ahead of the game at the Stadium of Light but with a packed stadium behind them, Sunderland are favourites to make it back-to-back wins. Sunderland had to dig deep at Bournemouth, at home, they will need to take the game to Hull. David Moyes must decide whether to keep faith with two up front, which worked so well on the south coast. Victor Anichebe was superb; physical and aggressive and holding the ball up well, something Sunderland have lacked all season. He deserves a run in the side alongside the main man, Jermain Defoe. I'm going for a narrow victory for Sunderland.
Nick Barnes (@Tweed_Barnesy) – BBC Radio Newcastle
A fortnight to enjoy the win at Bournemouth has been both cathartic and timely but now reality kicks in again with the visit of Hull City. It’s a match in my mind which could define Sunderland’s season. Beating Hull could potentially bring Sunderland back into the pack – almost. The win at Bournemouth was inspirational. None more so than for Victor Anichebe and if he plays, and I feel he must, and he can replicate the form he showed on the south coast then Sunderland has a real chance of taking all three points. He was such an outlet for the team it breathed new life into Duncan Watmore and was a real foil for Jermain Defoe. John O’Shea should be available but Kone and Djilibodji came through for me at Bournemouth. Papy made two if not three last ditch tackles which were brave but critical. Pickford is outstanding at the back and there’s a chance Lee Cattermole could feature. A tonic for team spirit as he encapsulates the fighting spirit shown at the Vitality Stadium.
James Hunter (@JHunterChron) – The Chronicle
After a ten-game winless start, Sunderland's victory at Bournemouth will have lifted a huge weight off the shoulders of David Moyes and his players. The important thing now, however, is that the Black Cats follow-up with another win to build some momentum and move to within striking range of the sides hovering just outside the relegation zone. But Hull are one of the sides that will be fighting the drop alongside Sunderland and they will see this game in a similar light. The Tigers were also given a lift prior to the international break, seeing off Southampton to earn their first league win since August. But, with home advantage, I make Sunderland slight favourites in what could turn out to be one of their most important games of the season.
The views expressed within this article are the views of the individual contributors and not necessarily those of Sunderland AFC.
