Sunderland Vs Birmingham

Niall Quinn’s first home game in charge sees the visit of fellow relegated side Birmingham City, fresh from their opening day defeat of Colchester.

Vital Quotes:

Sunderland boss Niall Quinn
‘Things got so flat and so low here that we’re in a different position at the end of last season. Birmingham fought to the bitter end and they feel well stocked to deal with going down. Sunderland are on the back of the fall-out of the last few years and we’re starting from a lower point.

‘But that’s not to say that the players we have aren’t good enough to come good. As soon as you go in with a positive attitude and you feel people are with you, the whole thing takes off.

‘There are some individuals in that dressing room where I know the best is yet to come. We’re now hopefully starting the slow climb upwards.’

Brum striker Mikael Forssel
‘We started with three points and that is a great way to go towards the Sunderland game. I can’t wait to play against Kenny. We’ve played against each other quite a lot of times in training so it will be interesting.

‘It won’t be easy because he’s a great player and Sunderland are looking to go up. It will be a battle.’

Sunderland Team News:

New signing Clive Clarke comes into contention after his move from West Ham was completed before the deadline, and may immediately take the place of Danny Collins at left-back.

Nyron Nosworthy (abdominal strain) and Andy Welsh (ankle) are definately out while Kevin Kyle, Grant Leadbitter and Liam Lawrence are doubts.

Player to watch: Kenny Cunningham

Cunningham will be coming up against his former teammates, and the club he left so acrimoniously following their relegation last season. With such a strong forward line, it will be up to him and Steve Caldwell to keep them quiet – vital if Sunderland want to get anything from this match.

Birmingham City Team News:

Cameron Jerome is banned following the red card he received only 3 minutes into his debut against Colchester. Birmingham have decided not to appeal.

Radhi Jaidi will be rested by Steve Bruce while DJ Campbell and Mikael Forssell are both struggling to make the game and will have late fitness tests.

Player to watch: DJ Campbell

Is struggling with an injury, but should he make the match Sunderland will know what to expect. The pacey forward scored twice against Sunderland and gave Gary Breen and co. a torrid time when playing for Brentford in last season’s FA Cup upset.

Match Facts & Stats

Sunderland played Birminham twice last season in their ill-fated Premiership campaign. Birmingham won 1-0 at the Stadium of Light thanks to a second half strike by Julian Gray, and also triumphed 1-0 at St. Andrews with a goal from Emile Heskey.

Match Prediction:

Quinn still does not have the players in he wants, in contrast with Birmingham who have been very active in the market this summer. However they were far from convincing against Colchester. With a strong home crowd cheering us on, i’m going for a Sunderland win. 2-1

Next Fixtures:

The visit of Plymouth on Saturday, 3pm.