Nick Barnes, Roy Kelly and James Hunter preview Tuesday’s Emirates FA Cup tie at Burnley.
The trio share their thoughts on the game providing insight, analysis and opinion as the Black Cats aim progress to the fourth round of the competition.
Nick Barnes (@Tweed_Barnesy) – BBC Radio Newcastle
A match ordinarily Sunderland could probably do without but there’s nothing more cathartic than a match straight after a bad defeat to blow away the cobwebs and get back on track. With the fourth round draw now looking highly favourable to whoever wins at Turf Moor David Moyes policy of playing strong teams in the cups could work to his advantage. Although the paucity of resources means he’s virtually certain to name a strong team he may well revert to the formation that played in the first game with Donald Love moving into midfield, Jason Denayer reverting to central defence and Javier Manquillo or Billy Jones playing at right back. The one thing neither manager will want though is extra-time and penalties.
James Hunter (@JHunterChron) – The Chronicle
With Premier League survival all-important, and a squad that is stretched to breaking point, a midweek FA Cup replay squeezed into the schedule is the last thing Sunderland needed. But the goalless draw on Wearside in the original means they must return to Turf Moor less than three weeks after they were well-beaten there by the Clarets in the league. With a home tie against either Bristol City or Fleetwood Town awaiting the winners in the next round, David Moyes is keen to progress – not only because he takes the cup seriously, but also because Sunderland desperately need the kind of lift that a win over Burnley would bring. Burnley's home record is excellent, however, and they will be favourites tonight.
Roy Kelly (@RoyKellySport) – Sunderland Echo
Burnley-Sunderland III? This sequel might not be big box office, but Black Cats fans will hope, and for any religiously-inclined, pray, that this is more watchable than the first two instalments. The original was a horror show, a 4-1 defeat at Turf Moor, followed by a bit of a snooze in the 0-0 FA Cup third round affair. Now, it's time for the replay and, to an extent, it's a no-lose situation for Sunderland. Given the Clarets incredible form on their home turf, no pun intended, David Moyes' side are rank outsiders against Sean Dyche's charges. However, this is the FA Cup and formbooks do not count for everything. Having predicted a couple of changes ahead of Sunderland-Burnley II, I am reluctant to do so here. But if there are alterations it's an opportunity for a younger player or two to go out and, hopefully, play with no fear. And for those who played, and under-performed on Saturday against Stoke - and at Burnley on New Year's Eve - it's a stage to put matters right. What will tonight bring?
The views expressed within this article are the views of the individual contributors and not necessarily those of Sunderland AFC.
