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 Roy Kelly preview the Lads’ Emirates FA Cup tie against Burnley.
Nick Barnes (@Tweed_Barnesy) – BBC Radio Newcastle
Is the FA Cup a welcome diversion or a poisoned chalice this season? It is arguably the latter as David Moyes has to field a competitive team and pray they suffer no more injury set-backs. Realistically with the squad in its parlous state reaching Wembley this year is the tallest of orders and every match played in the competition carries the risk of further injury. To that end I am sure the manager will rest key players such as Jermain Defoe and John O‘Shea, though mindful they can have a part to play they will doubtless make up the numbers on the bench. The Under 23s will play a significant part I’m sure and the likes of George Honeyman, Ethan Robson, Joel Asoro and Josh Maja should relish this opportunity to impress if they’re given the opportunity. I would still expect to see the likes of Seb Larsson, Jack Rodwell, Fabio Borini and Patrick van Aanholt involved, and probably Mika between the posts. It’s still an important match and as captain John O’Shea pointed out following the draw with Liverpool a win can only breed confidence to take into the following week’s Premier League fixture with Stoke.
James Hunter (@JHunterChron) – The Chronicle
Sunderland's dire defending at Burnley in the league last weekend is still fresh in the memory, even after the much-improved display against Liverpool on Monday, and this is an opportunity to make amends. With a relegation battle to fight, the FA Cup is not the priority for Sunderland but David Moyes wants to progress, and is acutely aware that a win would provide an important morale boost that would carry over into the league campaign. Sunderland's squad is down to the bare bones with a lengthy casualty list and now Africa Cup of Nations call-ups for Lamine Kone, Didier Ndong and Wahbi Khazri. Moyes cannot afford any more injuries, but I expect him to resist the temptation to play a raft of youngsters – I think he will make only limited changes. Assuming that is the case, and given that Burnley have not travelled at all well this season, I make Sunderland narrow favourites to reach the fourth round.
Roy Kelly (@RoyKellySport) – Sunderland Echo
Not this lot again! Seven days after taking a beating at Burnley, Sunderland have the opportunity to gain a bit of revenge against the Clarets. Of course, this is the FA Cup and not the Premier League, but while the PL is the be-all and end-all, this is a match which cannot be taken lightly. Sunderland's side will look a lot different to the one at Turf Moor and it will certainly have to play a lot differently, if they don't Sean Dyche's side will take full advantage, just as they did last weekend, poor away record or no poor away record. I expect David Moyes to make changes. Jermain Defoe will get a day off. He needs a rest and I suspect John O'Shea and Patrick van Aanholt will too. On the other side of the coin, the likes of Jack Rodwell and Javier Manquillo both need games not rests, so they'll play and it would be good to see Rodwell build on his fine display against Liverpool. It's hard to predict this one given the changes in personnel, but Sunderland owe the fans and themselves a performance. A win would keep the momentum going at the Stadium of Light with Stoke visiting next weekend.
The views expressed within this article are the views of the individual contributors and not necessarily those of Sunderland AFC.