Sunderland face Stoke City for the third time in a matter of weeks, but this one is a bit different. They've got a new (permanent) boss in charge, and it's an FA Cup game which changes the dynamic of the game. We spoke to Midlands football writer Joe Chapman about what to expect today...
Third game against each other, and the third man in the dugout for the Potters. What are your thoughts on Mark Robins?
A very accomplished manager who has achieved plenty over a spell at Coventry of which the longevity is rare these days. It can’t be underestimated the job he carried out there, taking them from League Two to within a penalty kick of the Premier League and trophies and FA Cup runs which ran parallel. That time is over and he’s very much a manager focusing on the here and now. And Stoke very much need his expertise.
Will Stoke be expected to field a strong side to advance into the next round or is there more focus on the league?
As we know from only last season, Robins values the FA Cup in an era when it can be treated with contempt and as a nuisance by some managers. He is only through the door and is still learning about the squad he has inherited, while also acknowledging that those first teamers have been put through a grueling fortnight or so. There’s a fine balance to be struck but I reckon Robins will field a strong enough side to compete and look to progress.
If there is rotation, are there any youngsters we should keep an eye out for as potential dangers?
Sol Sidibe is the son of former striker Mamady. He is an England youth international - a captain at that level no less - and despite being still a teenager looks to be a very capable player with big prospects. Stoke have had a tough season but there some decent success stories from the loan market - Lewis Koumas of Liverpool is also still a kid but gives his all in each game.
This is the third and final matchup between us in quick succession. One win a piece, who takes this one?
Well it has to be decided on the day, which I think most clubs - although it detracts from the cup tradition and is to the detriment of the lesser teams - will be pleased about. Sunderland, in their promotion hunt, need a midweek trip to Stoke for a replay like a hole in the head! It’s hard to know how it’ll swing until 2pm when you see the team sheets but I’m optimistic there’ll be something of a new manager bounce for Stoke. Sunderland have bigger fish to fry.
Now the transfer window is open, are you expected to have many incomings/outgoings?
Stoke, like many sides, are having to tread carefully when it comes to PSR after years of spending quite significantly and yet having pretty much zero to show for it. Conceivably there might be another loan. They’ve lost Sam Gallagher to injury yet again so it wouldn’t be a surprise to see another forward player brought to the club. Not every club can snare an Enzo Le Fee this month.
When we spoke to the Wizards of Drivel for the league fixtures, they predicted Sunderland to finish in the top five and Stoke 21st. Would you agree? Or has Mark Robins’ arrival lifted the mood around Stoke?
I can see why the prediction was made. Stoke have been back in the Championship for six years since being relegated and they haven’t finished higher than 14th. If you stand still in this game you can go backwards, as Sunderland themselves have discovered previously. Robins’ appointment, however, is an astute one in my book. They’ll need to add a player or two I think and hopefully hold onto Tom Cannon on loan from Leicester. I think a mid table finish is well within their capabilities and I’d be surprised if they were still in a relegation battle come April and May.
