The final game of the season see’s Sunderland head to Wolves to try and reach the top ten this season. Both Sunderland and Wolves have had good seasons with them both securing safety with a few games remaining.
Bruce is desperate to finish in the top 10 as it means more cash for final placement and also the attraction to potential signings this summer.
Wolves have stuttered over the last few games and Sunderland have some midfield injury concerns so it looks like it will be a tough game to call.
Sunderland striker Darren Bent has to score at least two more goals to finish top scorer in the Prem but Rooney and Drogba have to fire blanks.
Vital Quotes: Steve Bruce
Steve Bruce told the Sunderland Echo today:
‘It’s reliant on results going our way but the three teams above us all have very, very difficult fixtures and there’s no reason why we can’t go to Wolves and win.
‘Mick McCarthy has done a fantastic job there to keep them up and he’s given the lie to anyone who doubted he could successfully manage in the Premier League.
‘But if there’s been anything he’s been disappointed with this season, he would probably say that his home form has not been as good as he would have liked.
‘That’s something we’ve got to try and exploit this weekend.
‘Wolves are going to want to end their season well in front of their home fans but there’s no reason why we can’t get our second away win in a row.
‘We’ve been poor on the road generally this season but we got a good result at Hull the other week and we can can follow that up with Wolves.
‘Three points can make a big difference in this league and we’ve got a fantastic incentive here when it comes to this game.
‘I think if we beat Wolves, we’ve got a great chance of rising up the table and a decent chance of getting that 10th place spot.
‘All we can do is make sure we fully appreciate the importance of Sunday’s game to the club and give everything we can to make sure we win it.
‘We’ve beaten Wolves once already this season and obviously that’s a good thing. We just have to go out there and give our best and if we can play to the standards we’re capable of, we know we have an excellent chance of finishing well.’
Wolves Team News:
Wolves look to be only making one change with Jarvis returning from a two game injury to his thigh.
Player to watch: Jody Craddock
Big bad Jody will be applauded by the travelling army as he won the Wolves player of the season. He was a good solid defender for us many years ago and he is still doing it today.
Sunderland Team News:
Sunderland have replaced Bardsley with Hutton.
We have lost Cattermole and Meyler but brought in Colback after he returned from his loan to Ipswich.
Player to watch: Darren Bent
What a season this man has had for the lads in red and white! 24 league goals in 39 appearances is no lie and if Cappello does not notice this fact he needs to give his big Italian head a big shake.
If Benty can get two goals and Rooney and Drogba fails to notch, he could be top Premiership goalscorer. Haway Darren lad!
Match Facts & Stats
Steve Bruce’s men have won just twice away all season – at Bolton on the opening day and at Hull in their most recent away fixture.
Wolves are looking for a first win in seven. They have drawn their last three at Molineux.
Ref Watch:
Referee: Lee Mason
Assistant referees: Jake Collin & Richard West
Fourth official: Phil Gibbs
Match Prediction:
Wolves 0 – 2 Sunderland
It would be a nice touch to win away from home twice in a row and try and cement a place in the top ten. Sunderland have more to play for and a better team on paper so let’s end the season on a good note.
Next Fixtures:
We will tell you once the 2010/11 fixtures are announced!
