Sunderland line-up for the first time since the massive sex scandal that has rocked Wearside. Slightly. Luton are the visitors and nothing but a win is expected to continue Sunderland’s fine run up the table.
Vital Quotes:
Chris Brown:
‘Here’s the boys, the watching faithful, every week without fail…’
Sunderland Team News:
Stan the man Varga returns from suspension but may not get straight back in the team following Stevie the Jock Caldwell’s solid performance alongside Danny the boy Collins as they kept Robert the dwarf Earnshaw and Darren the heart Huckerby quiet in the 1-0 defeat of Norwich last week.
Chris the bad dog Brown also returns from injury but his inclusion into the squad is contentious following the revelation of his real desire to be a commentator this week. Ben Alnwick is also fit, at least ‘Stevie’ thought so, but is unlikely to be included following the arrival of Martin Fulop from Spurs as his replacement as he is set to head the other way.
Player to watch: Chris Brown
If only for the comedy chants that are likely to follow his every touch of the ball, should he be involved it will also be interesting to see how he responds. He’ll be hoping to score on the pitch as well as he did off it recently, while Simon Crabtree is not expected to be in a job for long, as Metro Radio plan to wire Browny up for his in-match commentary that he seems so fond of.
Luton Town Team News:
Despite Sol Davis’ remarkable comeback to training this week after a recent stroke the game is still likely to have come to soon for the defender.
Dean Morgan will have a late fitness test after picking up an injury in Luton’s impressive home win over former league leaders Preston last week.
Player to watch: Rowan Vine
Always a tricky player upfront for Luton, and often raises his game for the bigger occasions.
Match Facts & Stats
The last time the two sides met on Wearside, Sunderland triumphed 3-0 with goals from John Oster, Paul Thirlwell and Kevin Phillips in the first leg of the Worthington Cup on the 19th September 2000.
Match Prediction:
It’s got to be another home win. Keane’s formation will be interesting though considering the slim success gained from his 4-5-1 recently. 2-0 Sunderland.
Next Fixtures:
Sat 16th Dec – Burnley (A)
Fri 22nd Dec – Crystal Palace (A)
