Ahead of tonight's game against Fleetwood, we caught up with resident Fleetwood fan and content creator, Knappers. He's not confident going into the game, which Sunderland need to win in order to keep up in the race to the play-offs...
Fleetwood are 19th and haven’t won any of their last nine games. Are you happy with how the season’s going so far?
I think we are in an okay position considering all the injury’s and cuts to the wage budget. We aren’t in the bottom 4 and it’s in our hands if we stay up. We were punching well above our weight when we reached the play-offs back in 2019/20, so this is a more realistic position that we find ourselves in.
Your top scorer is Gerard Garner with seven in the league. What type of player is he?
Gerard Garner is a poacher. Similar to a certain Jermain Defoe, he loves to nip into the box and try and score goals. But he's a fan favourite not just because of the goals, but he will also work hard and run himself into the ground all day.
You were full of praise for Jay Matete when he made the deadline day switch to Wearside. Has he been a big miss for Fleetwood, and are you surprised at how well he’s fitted in at Sunderland?
He’s been a huge miss. We lack a creative player and someone that can break up a game. I understand that at Sunderland there are a lot more creative players than Matete, but he really was a driving force at Fleetwood that helped us get up the pitch quickly. At the Stadium of Light, he's excelled at the physical side of the game and has helped your midfield's defensive presence. We haven’t won since he left the club, which is a tell-tale sign of a quality player.
What are your thoughts on manager Stephen Crainey?
He’s stepped up to a difficult situation. No money to spend and a lack of players to choose from. He did okay as caretaker, and earned a permanent deal as gaffer of Fleetwood. Overall he’s doing okay for his first real job in management.
Which players could cause Sunderland some damage?
Paddy lane. He’s an absolute star. The winger loves to run with the ball and get at the opposition. He's got eight assists and five goals this season- I wouldn't be surprised if he adds to that tally in upcoming weeks.
What’s your score prediction for Tuesday?
I think the Black Cats will have too much quality on the night, and will stroll to a solid if unspectacular 2-0 win. Ross Stewart is the division's top scorer, so why not add to his impressive record tonight with two more goals?
Earlier this season you predicted Sunderland to finish fourth and Fleetwood in sixteenth. Are you happy with that prediction or do you want to change it?
Fleetwood seem nailed on to finish where we sit right now; 19th. Sunderland will be in and around 5th now I feel, just scraping into the play-offs if you guys can put together a good run.
