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 Goodison Park as Premier League football returns.
Nick Barnes (@Tweed_Barnesy) – BBC Radio Newcastle
A much needed and welcome return to action for the team following the defeat by Southampton a fortnight ago. I would not be in any way surprised if Jordan Pickford makes his comeback at Goodison Park and with Jan Kirchhoff playing a full part in the open training session at the Stadium of Light on Monday perhaps he may too be involved. Sunderland laid to rest their Goodison hoodoo a couple of seasons ago only to be reminded how tough a place it is to play when they lost heavily there last season. There’s no margin for error now as the games run out and the pressure builds on Sunderland to win matches. The fans will accept nothing less and the fact the away end is sold out – AGAIN – is evidence they are still keeping the faith. It’s up to the players to now repay it.
Richard Mennear (@RichMennearJP) – Sunderland Echo
Sunderland return to Premier League action on Saturday in desperate need of a lift after the Southampton defeat. The Black Cats started well enough against the Saints, dominating the opening 20 minutes but crucially didn't make their pressure count. Southampton were clinical and never looked back. Since the 4-0 defeat, the players have been away to New York for some team building and David Moyes will be looking for a big reaction at Everton this weekend. The open training day at the Stadium of Light was a huge success, with thousands of fans flocking to see the players train, a good move. Again, Sunderland need to build on that positivity at Goodison Park against Ronald Koeman's Everton side. The Toffees are 7th in the Premier League and this will be one of Sunderland's toughest away matches all season. A repeat of the Crystal Palace result is highly unlikely given how strong Everton are but a point would be a positive result from a Sunderland perspective. Lamine Kone will have his work cut out keeping Romelu Lukaku quiet, that is the key battle. If Sunderland win that, they'll have a chance of coming away with something.
James Hunter (@JHunterChron) – The Chronicle
The return to Goodison Park of David Moyes and Sunderland's ex-Everton contingent means this fixture was always going to be a high-profile occasion. But the home humbling at the hands of Southampton, followed by last week's trip to New York, means this game will now come under even greater scrutiny. The Black Cats were dire against the Saints, and must produce a reaction on Merseyside. As for the team bonding trip Stateside, it will only be worthwhile if its effects are evident on the pitch. Sunderland's injury problems are beginning to ease just a little, but they will still be underdogs this weekend and if they can bring a point back to Wearside it would be a good result.
The views expressed within this article are the views of the individual contributors and not necessarily those of Sunderland AFC.
