‘Earn it’
Chris Coleman delivered an honest and frank opinion when talking about Sunderland’s next hurdle this weekend.
Here’s your all you need to know guide to Saturday’s final home match of 2017…
BUILDING BLOCKS
Last weekend was good wasn’t it? Josh Maja marked his league debut with a special goal that counted for so, so much. Not only did it give the Black Cats a crucial three points, it ended the disappointing home hoodoo that has hung over the club for almost a year. Coleman notched his first home win as Sunderland manager and smiles were etched across everyone’s face. Now, though, Birmingham offer the next challenge…
MAJ-IC FEELING
To say the first-half of the season has been frustrating for Maja is probably an understatement. The Magician began pre-season with a bang. Scoring goals for fun, the 18-year-old oozed class before suffering a knee injury at Bradford City which sidelined him until last weekend. Having seen his initial comeback in October halted through a slight niggle, Maja made his highly-anticipated league debut against his former club Fulham and he didn’t disappoint – scoring the match winner!
BIRMINGHAM BLUES
Former Black Cats coach Steve Cotterill brings his Birmingham side to Wearside on Saturday, with just one win in their previous 10 matches. Bottom of the Sky Bet Championship, victory this weekend at the Stadium of Light would see the Blues leapfrog the lads as they look to avoid spending Christmas Day at the foot of the table. With just one point from a possible 15, times are tough at St Andrews as they have scored just twice in their last five matches.
DON’T I KNOW YOU?
Craig Gardner could be set for a return this weekend should he be given the nod by Cotterill. The midfielder has made just 10 appearances for Birmingham this season, with his latest one coming in last Saturday’s defeat to Queens Park Rangers. Gardner joined the Black Cats in the summer of 2011 from St Andrews, and made just under a century of appearances, scoring 11 league goals in his three-year stint on Wearside. The 31-year-old moved back to the Midlands in July 2014 when he joined West Bromwich Albion before later returning to his boyhood club, Birmingham, at the start of the year.
UP FOR SELECTION
Chris Coleman is expecting to have pretty much the same squad of players at his disposal against this Saturday. Bryan Oviedo is available for selection after it had been feared he would miss Saturday's match. Paddy McNair remains sidelined while Lee Cattermole has been ruled out for up to four weeks. Didier Ndong provided a welcome boost last Saturday as he returned to action against Fulham, and the Black Cats boss has revealed the Gabon international has trained well this week.
Birmingham, meanwhile, will be without Marc Roberts, Che Adams and Isaac Vassell while midfielder David Davis has returned to training after limping off against Queens Park Rangers last weekend. Full-back Carl Jenkinson has started light training as he steps up his recovery from shoulder surgery.
NOT GOT A TICKET FOR SATURDAY’S MATCH?
Cash turnstiles will be in operation at the Stadium of Light for tomorrow’s Sky Bet Championship match against Birmingham City. Turnstiles 44, 45 and 46 in the East Stand will be in operation from 1.30pm tomorrow afternoon, with all tickets priced £30. Concession tickets can be purchased from the ticket office up until kick off. There will be no cash turnstiles in operation for Birmingham City fans. Away fans wishing to gain admission on the day must purchase a ticket from the Black Cat House Ticket Office
FOLLOW THE ACTION
If you’re unable to attend the game we have comprehensive coverage of all the action as it happens across our digital channels.
Nick Barnes and Gary Bennett will be in the commentary booth from 2pm, with minute-by-minute analysis available right here and across social media from Twitter to Instagram.