Match Day Thread Sunderland v Accrington Stanley – Saturday 11th September 2021 - KO 15:00

Sunderland host Accrington Stanley in the Skybet League One

Last time out Sunderland beat Wycombe and Accrington beat Shrewsbury.
Currently sitting top of the table with 12 points from a possible 15, it is clear to see why Lee Johnson has been awarded the League One Manager of the Month.
The Black Cats signed three new faces before the end of the transfer deadline Leon Dajaku, Thorben Hoffmann and Niall Huggins. Lee Johnson is unlikely to field all 3 signings in the starting 11 against Stanley but they could feature in the squad. Denver Hume has signed a new 2 year deal but will need to regain match fitness.
Corry Evans could return to the side after missing the last few games with a hamstring problem but he could be given more time to recover.
Accrington sit in second spot level on points with Sunderland who have a superior goal difference and have played one game less. Ethan Hamilton signed from Peterborough on the final day of the transfer window and could feature for Stanley.
Lee Johnson:
On Denver Hume:
“Our only regret is that this wasn’t completed sooner, but we are delighted to have retained another quality player to our squad. He is a player that I’m very excited to work with because I see his strengths and his weaknesses, but more than anything I see a young man with high potential.”
“If he is a good student and is consistent in approach, as he always has been since day one, then I believe we can iron out his flaws and turn his strengths into super strengths. He has a wonderful vehicle here with a great set of staff that want to help him in every way, so his challenge now is to keep improving.”
John Coleman:
“It’s too early to get carried away with where we are in the league, but we are happy with our points return in the first six games.
“We started off well, scored a well-worked goal and I am delighted for Joel [Mombongo] to get off the mark as he had been frustrated missing chances and that will do him the world of good.
“After that we idled and they dominated 20 minutes of the first half. There were a few harsh words said at half-time and thankfully we responded.
“I know we will get better. Ethan Hamilton came on and showed a different dynamic, Jovan Malcolm got his first taste of this type of football and Joel got his goal.
“Colby Bishop looks like the top player he is and that’s why clubs will be queuing up for him in January.
“In three or four weeks, we could have a really strong squad with a lot of young kids chomping at the bit to come and help us.”

Match Appointments:
Referee: ANTHONY BACKHOUSE
Assistant Referees: Paul Graham and Chris Isherwood
Fourth Official: David Avent

Team Line ups
Sunderland: Patterson; Cirkin, Doyle, Flannagan, Winchester; O’Nien, Embleton, Neil; McGeady, Gooch, Stewart.

Subs: Hoffmann, Huggins, Wright, Evans, Dajaku, O’Brien, Broadhead
Injured: Xhemajli, Willis, Hume

Accrington Stanley: Savin, Sykes, Nottingham, Sherring, Clark, Pell, Morgan, Butcher, McConville, Mumbongo, Bishop
Subs: Hamilton, Procter, Leigh, Perritt, Isherwood, Nolan, Malcolm
Injured: Coneeley, Pritchard, O’Sullivan

Betting Odds:
Sunderland 3/5 Accrington 4/1 Draw 29/10

My two pence:
A top of the table clash, let’s hope we can win this one in a convincing fashion.
It would be good to see the new lads start or at least be on the bench. I’m not sure if Hoffmann will start instead of Patterson but it would be good to see what the new keeper is like.
I can’t make it to this one so I’ll have to rely on Jeff Stelling and his mates to keep me up to date.
I’m going for a 3-1 home win.

Live stream: (for overseas fans only)
https://www.safc.com/news/team-news/live-video

Ha’way the Lads

 

3-0. No ****ing about.

 

I'll raise you with a 4-0

 

Yessssss. Missed the matchday thread! Ha'way the lads. I reckon Hoffman will start, Patto on the bench. Onien and Neil to continue in midfield for me.
HTL 3-1 is my prediction. Stewart, Embo and Broadhead off the bench.

 

Just wondering where our thread had gone, top work mate.

This'll be my first home game, all being well, and I can't wait.

No disrespect to Accrington but I fully expect us to win this with a totally professional display.

In recent times we've banished quite a few of our 'jinxes' and this is another ...

... 'Going into a top of the table clash and not blowing it'.

Our big crowds have previously affected us but the players have learned to harness that energy.

We have more than enough skill to win the game, providing we work as hard and fight as hard. Of course there's always the rogue factor of the useless L1 referees but we have to love with that and I think we've learned a few lessons over the last season.

No idea what the team will be but going for 2-1 or 2-0 if Evans is back.

 

What’s the thoughts about the keeper?

I know we wanna see the Hof but be a bit shan on Patterson who’s done little to nowt wrong.

Inclined to leave him in there.

 

Nowhere near ready for the likes of Accrington imo.

He's far too indecisive and also unsure on crosses.

If Hoffman isn't playing I'd expect it to be Burge.

 

See I’m torn on it mate, keepers grow by playing.

You can see him growing a wee bit every game he plays and he’s done nothing wrong.

I’ll see the reasoning in any of the 3 to be honest, interested to see folks thoughts.

I just don’t think he’s done anything to deserve dropping out.

 

I think it'll be Hoffman, he was Bayern's third choice and should be top class in this league.

Patterson has done well and looks better than Burge in every sense but I think he'll be second choice.

 

I'd have to disagree tbh, on more than one occasion.

The first that springs to mind was against Wimbledon when he came for a corner he had absolutely zero chance of getting.

A defender, Cirkin I think, headed the ball off the line or that was two points thrown away.

I like him but just don't think he's ready.

 

I thought likewise against Wimbledon but he had a very good game against Wycombe and with keeping especially confidence is important so wouldn't have any major worries if he was selected.

 

Aye I recall that, but most keepers are gonna make mistakes maybe once a game.

I think we are just too fine tuned to every mishap now after the last few years of ****e we’ve had, most incidents pass and are forgotten but we’ve had this constant fear back there for a few years

 

The keeper is the only position I'm not sure who will start this Saturday but there is no doubt Hoffman signed to start and listening to Johnson he expects him to be top quality. Any of the 3 could start this Saturday but after that it's going to be Hoffman

 

Really looking forward to this one with the boy. 2-1 win for the lads

 

Patterson stepped into the breech and has done ok but as folk have said he’s a little nervous and for me dosent command his area nearly enough I’m sure he’ll turn out to be a great keeper but I think he could Benefit from a loan and get minuets under his belt - any how I’m going 2-1 for the lad Stewart brace COME ON

 

Hoffman surely starts in goal, Patterson on the bench. Burge? Get ready for the next cup game lad, you aren’t required.

 

Going for 4-2. This is a new SAFC with no fear. Younguns with pace and the skill to match.

 

23 yellow cards in 6 games this season for the referee

 

Hardest game so far imo. That Colby Bishop in particular caused us no end of problems last season.

 

3_1 to us and the beat goes on