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’ home match against West Bromwich Albion.
Richard Mennear (@RichMennearJP) – Sunderland Echo
Last Saturday's defeat to Crystal Palace was devastating. And it will have taken the fans and players a good few days to get over that one. But the games soon come around and this weekend is a big opportunity to put it right. Sunderland owe their supporters a big performance against West Bromwich Albion on Saturday. It won't be easy, though, against the mid-table Baggies. Sunderland are in desperate need of a win - especially before the international break. The thought of heading into the two week break with just a single point from their opening seven league games doesn't bare thinking about. The fans, as ever, will give their full backing to Sunderland. It is time for the team to up their concentration levels, with more leadership throughout the side. If the defence can keep Salomon Rondon quiet, then there is no reason why the Black Cats can't secure their first league win under David Moyes. Another tense afternoon awaits.
Nick Barnes (@Tweed_Barnesy) – BBC Radio Newcastle
Sam Allardyce’s departure from the England job was well timed to divert attention from Sunderland’s capitulation against Crystal Palace and of the news that Adnan Januzaj will be absent for at least six weeks with an ankle ligament injury. It’s one thing after another this latest news is another blow for David Moyes as he tries to get a first Premier League win of the season. Whilst Januzaj’s contribution has not been as great as one had hoped he has shown moments of brilliance and losing him for that length of time is neither a good thing for him in the longer term or the team. Moyes will undoubtedly fill the gap with Duncan Watmore playing behind Jermain Defoe and against Crystal Palace that proved to be quite productive. It needs to be so again against West Bromwich Albion but the more critical area is defence. There has got to be a significant improvement in concentration and awareness throughout the back four and I am wondering if this week we will see John O’Shea introduced for his organisation and experience.
James Hunter (@JHunterChron) – The Chronicle
After suffering that agonising late defeat against Crystal Palace last weekend, this game against West Brom has taken on even greater importance. It is far too early to start talking about must-win games in terms of the league situation, but I think this is a must-win game as far as the mood of the fans is concerned. One point from the first six games has left the supporters with a deep sense of foreboding, and only a victory will lift their spirits. The key thing this weekend will be how Sunderland defend against the Baggies. There have been far too many mistakes at the back in recent games, and in the last two home games Sunderland have failed to cope with the threat posed by Everton's Romelu Lukaku and Palace's Christian Benteke. On Saturday they will be up against Salomon Rondon, and they cannot allow him the same freedoms in the penalty area.
The views expressed within this article are the views of the individual contributors and not necessarily those of Sunderland AFC.
