Ahead of our FA Cup third round fixture against League One Shrewsbury we spoke to our friends at Salopcast for a preview.
You're 16th in League One, are you happy with how things are going?
Not particularly. We came into the festive period in a good vein of form, we were as high as 9th and beat some decent sides such as Bolton and Peterborough. Over Christmas we lost to a number of very poor sides, losing all three matches. We have a number of injuries and a small squad. Christmas was not very jolly for Salopians.
How are ex Black Cats Tom Flanagan and Carl Winchester getting on?
Flanagan is a having a solid season playing left in a back three. He has played the majority of games and has built a good relationship with Dunkley and Pennington. Playing in a back three means we can provide ample defensive cover and gives Flanagan the freedom to drive forward and win yellow cards against naïve midfielders.
Winchester is a fantastic pro and looks like he has been playing for us for many years. He has built a good partnership with Leahy in the middle of the park. I don’t need to tell Sunderland fans his strengths, I really hope we can sign him.
Are you disappointed that Winchester won't be able to play due to being on loan from Sunderland?
It is a big loss for us. We have been playing the same eleven for a number of games, and Winchester has been one of our best performers.
Will Steve Cotterill play a strong side against us or rest his star players for the league?
Rest players. What is that? We don’t have enough players to rotate, we play the same players every game. We have to fill the bench with kids who will never get a minute and players who are not fully fit. We have three outfield players who are half fit and didn’t start on Sunday, that is all we had in reserve.
Which Shrewsbury players could do some damage to us?
Bayliss is a really good midfielder, playing as a 10/free 8. He combines well with Shipley who is filling in at LWB. Upfront Saydee can be a handful up front. Our best technical player is Bennett (RWB) who is returning from injury and might have to start.
Equally which Sunderland player worries you the most?
Ross Stewart and Jack Clarke.
We had mixed results against Shrewsbury in League One - Sunderland picked up three wins, two draws and two defeats. Are you confident of a good result on Saturday?
Nope, it should be a comfortable win for Sunderland.
What's your score prediction? Goalscorers?
Salop 0-2 Sunderland
One OG and Ross Stewart with a tap in
Where do you predict both sides to finish in their respective leagues this season?
I expect Sunderland to finish a respectable 9th and Salop to finish 17th.
Finally, where is the best place for a travelling Sunderland fan to get a pint?
As long as you promise not to tell too many people, the Prince of Wales is an award winning CAMRA pub. Great ales.
