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 Southampton
Nick Barnes (@Tweed_Barnesy) – BBC Radio Newcastle
The 4-0 win at Crystal Palace is still sinking in but the three points were critical, priceless. There are now six teams telescoped into a relegation fight with two points separating them and Sunderland have a wonderful opportunity this weekend to heap further pressure on the teams above. Southampton’s next match is the EFL Cup final with Manchester United and their recent form suggests the players have taken their Premier League eyes off the ball as they look forward to Wembley. Adnan Januzaj stepped up to the plate at Selhurst Park and it is to be hoped he’s over his hip injury to face the Saints but the three stand out players for me were Lamine Kone, Bryan Oviedo and Jermain Defoe, though don’t get me wrong the team performance as a whole was superb, down to the late, late goal-line clearance by Jason Denayer. Sunderland have to guard against complacency following their performances against Spurs and Palace, but with so many players in the team so familiar with their current plight I don’t think complacency is the worry. A certain Gabbiadini may be. Sunderland don’t want to be waking up on Sunday to headlines about a Gabbiadini plunging the Black Cats back into trouble. How ironic would that be?
James Hunter (@JHunterChron) – The Chronicle
After a solid draw against Spurs, last weekend's emphatic win at Crystal Palace was just what Sunderland needed to give their survival campaign fresh impetus. And with only two points now covering the bottom six teams, any side that can put together two or three decent results could rapidly climb the table. For Sunderland, the timing of Southampton's visit to Wearside could hardly be better. The Saints have won only one of their seven league games since Christmas, losing the other six, and Claude Puel's team may well have one eye on their next game - the EFL Cup final against Manchester United in a fortnight's time. Sunderland should have beaten Southampton at St Mary's Stadium in August but had to settle for a point, however a victory this weekend would more than make up for that.
Richard Mennear (@RichMennearJP) – Sunderland Echo
Confidence is sky high at Sunderland on and off the pitch ahead of the visit of Southampton. And rightly so after the stunning 4-0 win over Crystal Palace last weekend. David Moyes got his tactics spot on, with Sunderland clinical when they hit Palace on the counter attack. Fans will be hoping for more of the same but Southampton should provide a sterner test, although their recent form has been poor. The loss of Jose Fonte and Virgil van Dijk from the centre of their defence has hit the Saints hard - Jermain Defoe must fancy his chances of adding to his 14-goal league tally. With the League Cup final coming up, the Southampton players could be forgiven for having one eye on their day out at Wembley. Sunderland need to capitalise on the four points picked up recently and this weekend is a good opportunity to do just that. Sunderland could climb out of the relegation zone this weekend. They shouldn't need any more motivation than that.
The views expressed within this article are the views of the individual contributors and not necessarily those of Sunderland AFC.