Saturday's game against Stoke feels like a must-win. With that in mind, we spoke to our Stoke friends The Wizards Of Drivel to preview the game, chat about Alex Neil and his replacement Steven Schumacher...
Let's start with Alex Neil! He was so good for us before he jumped ship, what went wrong for him at Stoke?
He wasn’t very good! We were told a lot about how he wanted to play “front foot attacking football” but that never really materialised. There were a handful of standout wins but we were dreadful - especially at home when it came to breaking teams down. He failed to get a new squad with some talented players working and that was it really. Just too cautious and not as tactically switched on as other managers.
Sunderland were linked with Steven Schumacher before hiring Beale - are you happy with that appointment? How's he done so far?
Neil’s last six games garnered just two points and Schumacher’s first six have earned nine. So there’s an instant improvement results wise and the football is better to watch too. He’s sorted the midfield out, but the home form is still an issue. We seem happier with our manager than you do with yours, that’s for sure.
Andre Vidigal is your top scorer with six goals, what kind of player is he?
He's a tricky winger capable of creating something, but inconsistent. He’ll probably wind your fans up by hitting the deck when tackled but on form he’s great to watch.
Where do Stoke need to strengthen before the end of the transfer window?
Up front for me. We’re not scoring enough goals and Ryan Mmaee hasn’t seen his shooting boots all season. Buying a quality striker in January is a very tough ask though so I’m not holding out much hope.
Have you made any signings already this January?
Luke Cundle on loan is a tidy midfield player who gets up and down the pitch nicely. Daniel Iversen has come in in goal, plugging a gap that desperately needed to be filled when Mark Travers was recalled by Bournemouth.
Which Sunderland player worries you the most? (Clarke is cheating - he's the easy answer!!)
After Clarke, Bellingham has looked good whenever I’ve seen him play for you guys. Not a huge amount of goals but he always seems to be involved in things and I worry about our defence matching his energy when you bomb forward. See, I managed to talk about him without mentioning his brother... oh shit.
What's your score prediction for the game and goalscorers?
Five one to you. Clarke hat trick, Bellingham two. Gayle for us...
Finally, where do you reckon both sides will finish this campaign?
Sunderland 9th. Stoke 16th.
