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’ opening home game as Middlesbrough head to the Stadium of Light.
Nick Barnes (@Tweed_Barnesy) – BBC Radio Newcastle
Despite defeat at the Etihad Stadium the mood following the match was in stark contrast to the mood leaving the King Power Stadium last August. Last weekend the performance with a straitened team showed that the pre-season results were no fluke and Sunderland will be a difficult team to beat. Clearly midfield is an area which at the moment is lacking quality, but when Jan Kirchhoff is back in the fold and Lee Cattermole available the team will start to look more balanced. Jermain Defoe yet again proved his worth and how critical it will be to keep him fit. Middlesbrough made a commendable start against an experienced and campaign seasoned team in Stoke and with Alvaro Negredo in attack they like Sunderland have a potent striker. The fact Boro failed to capitalise when they were on top though suggests that they and Sunderland are most likely to play out a score draw in my mind as Sunderland still need to be more effective in the final third. A point on the board though at this early stage of the season and with a team clearly in transition, and with a manager who openly states he could ideally have done with another four weeks before the season started, would be a good point. Of course all three would be a huge boost ahead of the away trip to Southampton and one goal may ultimately be the difference in the game on Sunday.
James Hunter (@JHunterChron) – The Chronicle
After losing on the opening day - albeit narrowly, and against a team of the quality of Man City - it is imperative that Sunderland get up and running this weekend. David Moyes' first home game in charge sees Middlesbrough visit the Stadium of Light, and he will know that this is a big opportunity for Sunderland to chalk up their first victory. A draw would put a point on the board, but would be seen as a let-down given the fact that Boro are still getting to grips with the Premier League after winning promotion last season. The Black Cats have gone six years without a win in August, and that record has to end some time.
Richard Mennear (@RichMennearJP) – Sunderland Echo
Sunderland started the season as underdogs at the Etihad Stadium but the tables will turn this weekend. Newly-promoted Middlesbrough head to the Stadium of Light and despite Boro splashing the cash this summer, David Moyes' side are favourites. It is a different kind of pressure facing Sunderland on Sunday lunchtime in the first home game of the new Premier League season. Alvaro Negredo scored on his Boro debut and he is the dangerman; Lamine Kone will have his work cut out keeping the former Manchester City striker under control. Sunderland will see far more of the ball than they did against City but Boro are strong defensively. Moyes' side will have to be patient but they are more than capable of securing their first three points of the season.
The views expressed within this article are the views of the individual contributors and not necessarily those of Sunderland AFC.