‘It wouldn’t surprise me if Chris scores yet another crucial goal’
Sunderland are preparing to face Lincoln City in League One – but what can the Black Cats expect at the LNER Stadium?
Michael Appleton’s side beat Sunderland in the playoffs last season but are 18th heading into this weekend’s fixture.
Tofindoutmore,wecaught up with Mark Whiley from the LincolnshireEchotogettheinside track…
After making the play-off final last season, what has gone wrong this campaign?
MW: “There are a number of factors. For a start, the team simply isn’t as strong as last season. They had some stunning loan signings last season, the likes of Brennan Johnson.
“Also, Jorge Grant had the seasonofhislifebeforeleaving forPeterboroughUnitedinthe summer. It’s so hard to replace players like that. Also, many of the signings haven’t worked out, or been inconsistent at best.
“They’ve suffered injuries to key players, lacked creativity and been fragile at the back at times.
“They’ve been outstanding on their day – the reverse fixtureatSunderlandforexample – and they have a great record against the top sides, but have slipped up badly against the lesser sides.”
What are the side's main strengths and weaknesses?
MW: “On their day, they’re a match for any side in the league. They’ve beaten Wigan Athletic,Sunderland,Sheffield
Wednesday, Plymouth Argyle and Oxford United – and they weren’t lucky wins. When it clicks, their football is a joy to watch, but it hasn’t happened enough this season.
“Asforweaknesses,defending from set-pieces has been a problem. They’ve also struggled to break down sides who pack men behind the ball.”
Who are their key players?
MW: “Regan Poole, rightbackandcentre-back,hasbeen the player of the season, but is a doubt for Saturday with an ankle injury picked up in last weekend’s win at Wimbledon.
“Conor McGrandles will be available again after a twomatch suspension and should slot straight back into the side. A reliable performer in midfield.
“Striker John Marquis has five goals since arriving from Portsmouth in January, while attacking right-back Brooke Norton-Cuffy has been outstandingsincearrivingonloan from Arsenal in January.”
How has ex-SAFC man Chris Maguire fared?
MW: “Needless to say, his hat-trick in January was the high point of his season. He’s shown flashes of quality in other games, but hasn’t been consistent. That said, Michael Appleton has been happy with him and it wouldn’t surprise me if he pops up with a crucial goal on Saturday.”
What's the situation with the goalkeeper issue?
MW: “As it stands, at the timeofwriting,JordanWright - a January signing from NottinghamForest-willbeingoal.
“He was brought in as a number two, but Josh Griffiths’
loan spell from West Brom has been cut short by an ankle injury.
“The other senior keeper, Sam Long, who looks a great prospect, cannot be recalled from his loan spell in Ireland.” Predicted line-up?
MW: “(3-5-2): Wright; Eyoma or Poole, Jackson, Walsh; Norton-Cuffy, McGrandles, Fiorini, Maguire, Bramall; Hopper, Marquis.”