Hull Vs Sunderland
Sunderland travel to lowly Hull expecting nothing less than three points to begin their ascent up the league table…
Vital Quotes:
Sunderland winger Liam Lawrence:
‘Things will be back on course if we beat Hull.
‘I don’t look at things and say we are sixth off the bottom, I look the other way and check Cardiff’s results.
‘They are at the top, and if we can catch them and the teams behind them it would be great.
‘If we win at Hull we are in with a good chance of doing that.
Hull midfielder Nick Barmby:
‘The main thing is that we all have to stick together – fans, players, everyone.
‘Ever since I arrived at the club, I have always said that when we play football we look like a good side.
‘But we just need to have a little bit more belief because we have got good players at this club.’
Hull City Team News:
Hull don’t have too many injury worries and several players are returning from injury and suspension.
Sam Ricketts and Andy Dawson will be vying for left-back while Sunderland fans will recognise Hul’s right back, ex-England defender Danny Mills.
Craig Fagan returns from suspension to take up the right wing slot while Ian Ashbee and John Welsh continue in midfield as David Livermore remains out injured.
And after impressing against Watford in midweek, Nick Barmby may be recalled to the first eleven.
Player to watch: Boaz Myhill
One of the Championship’s consistently top performers, the American ‘keeper will be playing top flight football before long. For now though, Sunderland’s forwards will have to find a way to beat the impressive stopper.
Sunderland Team News:
Kenny Cunningham and Nyron Nosworthy are both sidelined but club captain Steve Caldwell may be fit to return to the first team after playing 60 minutes of reserve-team football this week. However Roy Keane may opt to start with new boy Lewin Nyatanga.
Stephen Elliot is one week from returning and Graham Kavanagh hopes to be fit for Cardiff.
Player to watch: Liam Lawrence
After another uninspiring performance at home to Barnsley, Lawrence – should he start – will be as eager as ever to show his manager he deserves a starting place. It’s a while since we’ve seen a pearler from Liam, he’s well overdue.
Match Facts & Stats
Match Prediction:
Sunderland need to start a run if they want to be considered real candidates for promotion this term, and their away form must improve. They’ll be hoping to end a run of three straight away defeats. 2-1 Sunderland.