With Sunderland winless in six and Stoke winless in four, it's a big game for both sides on Saturday. We spoke to Stoke's Wizards of Drivel to discuss their fairly indifferent start to the season.
So, 14th in the league with five wins, six draws and seven defeats. What’s been the story of Stoke’s season so far?
Trying, and failing, to break out of mediocrity. The sacking of Steven Schumacher came as a surprise, with CEO Jon Walters staking his reputation on Narcis Pelach. What has followed has been more of the same, maybe even slightly worse. Our goalkeeper has been our standout player which tells its own story. Yet to ‘click’, to put it generously.
What are your overall thoughts on new manager Pelach?
Like I said, waiting for a run of results. Jury is very much out on him as we can’t see a huge noticeable style change from Schumacher.
Tom Cannon is your top scorer with seven Championship goals, what kind of player is he?
On his day a nuisance and a decent finisher. He has stat-padded somewhat with four of those seven goals coming in a 6-1 win over Portsmouth. A fair few have been penalties too. Inconsistent, but a great finish against QPR showed what he’s capable of.
Other than Cannon who are some of your best players?
On their day Million Manhoef and Bae Junho offer something different going forward. Wouter Burger too can look the business in midfield, but with all of the above there’s a struggle for consistency there. Viktor Johansson in goal though has just been unbelievable. Some of his saves have been spectacular and he’s probably been worth 10 points on his own already.
Lynden Gooch was a great servant to Sunderland and will certainly get a good reception in all three upcoming games between Sunderland and Stoke! What do your fans think of him?
Dependable, likeable, full of running and effort. Came in clutch with a few goals last season running in from right wing back. Crossing not so good...
Which Sunderland player worries you the most?
All of them? Bellingham and Rigg seem to have been the standouts for you this season, but it’s the general pace and dynamism you demonstrated at the start of the season that worries me.
What’s your score prediction for the game?
Sunderland 2-0 Stoke. Bellingham and a Ben Gibson OG.
Finally, where do you predict both sides to finish this season?
Sunderland 6th. Stoke 16th.
