Sunderland face basement boys Crewe Alexandra on Saturday, in another must-win game as the race for the play-offs continues. Aaron Lewis, contributor of the Railwaymen Podcast, speaks about what has gone wrong for The Alex this season, and gives his prediction for the game...
After a pretty decent start to the season, Crewe find themselves bottom of the league. Did you expect this?
Not exactly. The word from the club pre-season was an expectation to be challenging for the play-offs, despite what some pundits were suggesting. However the loss of five influential first team players from last season is really being felt and the team haven't been pieced back together properly all season.
What needs to change for you guys to survive, or at least get yourselves back in contention for survival?
Personally I'm already resigned to our fate for this season. It would require some miracle I think for us to be able to stay up now.
What do you think of gaffer David Artell?
He's always seemed like a good genuine bloke and we have consistently progressed as a club under him for several years- until that came to a screeching halt this year. I know parts of our fanbase have been calling for him to go, however I don't think any benefit could be gained from losing him now so I think he will have a short leash going into next season.
Your top scorer is Chris Long, with seven league goals. What kind of player is he?
He has been quite useful coming into a side that is short on quality throughout. He'd missed a lot of the early parts of the season through injury but has come on of late. A quick front man with an eye for goal, he doesn't strike me as someone who would score 20 goals a year, but will constantly be a nuisance with his running and work rate.
How's former Black Cat Mikael Mandron doing?
Mandron had a cracking first season with us last year, however this year has been much more up and down. He's often been played out of position, and it could be suggested he wasn't too happy with this. It has also affected his output on the scoresheet. He's been out with an injury for a little while now and is out of contract in the summer. Whilst I'd love for him to return, I can't see him signing up for a year (or more) in League Two.
Have you missed Callum McFadzean since he joined Wrexham?
I can honestly say we have not. And that's despite our natural left back being out injured. A lot of Sunderland fans seemed to suggest we had signed up a turkey when we got him and from what I had seen did little to dispel that.
Which Sunderland players worry you?
Well last time I think I said Ross Stewart and he got a brace against us. So maybe I shouldn't answer! But really, it's hard to look past the league's top scorer as one of the most dangerous men we'll face all season. In addition to other such as Elliot Embleton and Jay Matete, who has impressed since joining you guys in January.
What's your score prediction?
3-1 to you, I'd say. Two for Stewart and one for Embleton, with either Chris Porter or Chris Long getting us a late consolation.
Earlier this season, you predicted Sunderland to finish 3rd and Crewe safe from relegation in 20th. Do you want to change that?
I still think Sunderland will be in the playoffs, though 5th or 6th is looking more likely at the moment. As for Crewe I think 23rd is probably about as good as I can hope for unfortunately.
