Media mash-up continues as a batch of local reporters preview Sunderland’s latest fixture providing insight, analysis and opinion.
Next up, Nick Barnes, Richard Mennear and James Hunter, preview the Lads return to action against Tottenham Hotspur at the Stadium of Light.
James Hunter (@JHunterChron) – The Chronicle
January ends as it began for Sunderland – with a home game against top four opposition. And just as they raised their game against Liverpool at the beginning of the month, they must do so again when Spurs come to town on Tuesday. Sunderland have produced some poor performances in recent weeks, and have not picked up a point since they twice came from behind to take points off the Reds. If anything, Spurs will be even tougher opposition with Mauricio Pochettino's side having dropped just two points out of the last 21 available. Sunderland should at least be strengthened by the return of Didier Ndong, while Lamine Kone is also back on Wearside, with the pair having returned from Africa Cup of Nations duty. But they will need all the help they can get if they are to take points off Spurs.
Richard Mennear (@RichMennearJP) – Sunderland Echo
Three points from safety and with just 15 points from 22 games, Sunderland need to get back to winning ways quickly to give their survival hopes a major boost. The visit of free-flowing Tottenham Hotspur to the Stadium of Light on deadline day will strike fear into the hearts of many. But there are some reasons to be positive heading into the game. Didier Ndong and Lamine Kone are both back from international duty at the Africa Cup of Nations. Ndong, having featured in all three of Gabon's games is likely to come straight back into the starting line-up and how manager David Moyes could do with some good news. The club's chronic injury list continues to hamper Moyes' selection options so the return of those two is a boost, although whether Kone is thrown straight in remains to be seen. The loss of Victor Anichebe is huge, his physical presence will be missed. Hopefully there will be new faces in the Sunderland squad before the window closes. Needless to say, Sunderland's hopes of securing a point or all three will rest on keeping Harry Kane and Dele Alli quiet.
Nick Barnes (@Tweed_Barnesy) – BBC Radio Newcastle
There will be some relief the African Cup of Nations has ended for the Sunderland contingent and Lamine Kone’s return can’t come soon enough. There’s an irony in Papy Djilibodji’s suspension as it was feared he too would be off to Gabon for a month but now he is missing Kone’s return is timely. I think Sunderland missed the Ivorian who started to show signs of his form last season. Didier Ndong also started to show some form against Liverpool in his final match before departing for Gabon and his return is timely against a Spurs team who have lost only two matches this season. There’s no doubting the enormity of the task facing Sunderland against Tottenham and to my mind the key man is Dele Alli. If Sunderland can keep Alli quiet Spurs will offer up chances and Jermain Defoe will love nothing more than to score against his former team. Anything Sunderland can take from this game will be a bonus ahead of the really crucial match at the weekend at Selhurst Park.
