Sunderland 2 West Ham Utd 1 (29/03/08)

[Scaloni Is The Messiah]

any reason for completely leaving anton out?

I think he's had a poor spell lately and I think Tomkins would benefit from a start against a less threatening side than Everton. And whilst Ferinand would be my third choice centre-back for the game, it makes more sense to have Spector as the defensive option on the bench as he's proved he can do a good job at centre back, full back either side and central midfield. Frees the other three spots up for more attacking players (if we had someone like Dyer or Bellamy approaching fitness, I'd probably give them Mullins's spot.)

[I am Lawro]

If all fit...

Green
Neill Upson Tomkins McCartney
Faubert Parker Noble Ljungberg
Ashton Zamora

Walker, Spector, Mullins, Solano, Sears

any reason for completely leaving anton out?

Probably because Spector is more versatile than Anton.

[fghammer]

granted in the 4-0 games he was well pretty appauling did reasonably against bburn and i thought was outstanding at everton imho so to me he's regaining form and even if technically match fit what would be the point in bringing upson back in too much of a risk if you ask me. maybe i'm just too much of an anton fan but i think he's probably got enough knowledge now to be considered to be a decent mentor for tomkins

lawro, anton started at right back correct me if i'm wrong. granted maybe not that great a right back but surely good enough to do a job for a game if something disastrous happened

[stubbsy07]

I think Zamora might start on the left in this game, as he did in the second half against Balckburn.

Green
Neill
Tomkins
Ferdinand
Linda
Ljungberg
Noble
Parker
Zamora
Sears
Ashton

Subs: Sepctor, Pantsil, Mullins, Solano, Cole.

That team would nick a 2-1 win, I think.

IRONS!

[I am Lawro]

granted in the 4-0 games he was well pretty appauling did reasonably against bburn and i thought was outstanding at everton imho so to me he's regaining form and even if technically match fit what would be the point in bringing upson back in too much of a risk if you ask me. maybe i'm just too much of an anton fan but i think he's probably got enough knowledge now to be considered to be a decent mentor for tomkins

lawro, anton started at right back correct me if i'm wrong. granted maybe not that great a right back but surely good enough to do a job for a game if something disastrous happened

Yes, Anton is a fairy adept right back. But he is not thoroughly comfortable there. Whereas Spector is decent all across defence and in midfield. So therefore Spector would be more likely to be useful in case of injury.

[hornsey]

why start Bobby on the left when Freddie can do it and Nobby, or pantsil can do RM?

[devonshire flu]

Yes, there's going to be a vast, huge, enormous improvement. Only 13 injured, rather than 14. Apparently though, Bobby Zamora's going to be out for a month with blisters on his piles

Carlton Cole has blisters on his dead leg, so, being a footballer, he'll be in a wheelchair for a month.

Agree 100% with the mackem, BTW. Sunderland >>> Newcastle. Better pubs, better people, less tourists, betrer atmosphere, IMHO.

[Jarvis_1973]

Should be a good close game on Saturday which could go either way. After an unexpected 3 points against Villa on Saturday a draw certainly wouln't be the end of the world for us.

I'm looking forward to seeing this young kid Sears play as he seems to have done well in recent games for you.
Our home form has generally been good this season, but we'll be keen to avoid 3 successive home defeats and there should be a big crowd who'll be up for it. How many are you bringing up on Saturday?

[Jarvis_1973]

Have tickets for this now. How long is the train from Newcastle to Sunderland? Thinking of getting a hotel in Newcastle.

Half an hour on the metro (every 15 mins), 20 minutes if you get a train from central (only about one an hour though)

tbh you won't have a problem drinking in Sunderland as long as you don't take the piss. Colours not advisable near the ground, but those boozers are **** anyway. If you want to drink in Sunderland my advice would be to get the metro to Park Lane (stop after Sunderland central) and go to either Chaplins (2 mins walk) or a Fitzgeralds or the Lambton Worm (weatherspoons) a little further afield (5 mins walk)

In Newcastle train station the Centurian is a decent bar, but not cheap and there will probably be plenty of Old Bill about so beware if wearing colours.

Don't be put off by drinking in Sunderland though, we don't get many away fans before games which is a shame.
Happy to advise if anyone is looking for reasonable hotels in either city.

[millsywhu]

Green

Neill
Tomkins
Anton
Linda

Mullins
Noble
Parker

Freddie
Bobby

Deano

Subs: Stech, Spector, CC, Sears, Collison

We need to win this one, Cant let spuds finish above us.
Going to be tough game, Sunderland just come off a briliant result at Villa and fighting against relegation,
IRONS!!

[Couttsy]

I know it's a little early but I was bored

----------------------------------------Green----------------------------------------

Neill---------------------Upson---------------Anton---------------McCartney

Ljungberg-------------Parker--------------Mullins----------------Faubert

--------------------------Ashton---------------Sears-----------------------------

Subs:

Stech
Noble
Zamora
Etherington
Tomkins

I think Sears has earned his first start to be fair. I wouldnt wanna see him rushed into things but he's playing to a standard that suggests maybe we wouldn't be rushing him by letting him start. I hope Faubert and Etherington will be fit and ready for this one as I cant bare to see Boa Morte in the starting line up AGAIN!!!

I'm gonna go for a 2-0 win for us on this one, COME ON YOU IRONS!!!

Ignore Matty acually, I forgot about Nobby

[westhamnil]

The season has been ok, great in terms of where we are (realistic ambitions are quite important!) but the quality of the football has been indifferent to say the least.The emergence of Sears, Collison and Tomkins has been superb so that's a big positive.
I quite like Sunderland due to the fact that you are a proper club imo, so hope you stay up. Also used to love going to Roker Park, good day out. Would love to see your mates down the road go down as I really dislike the media bigging up the shower of **** that they are.
I think you'll be ok anyway as there are worse teams than you down there. Keane is going to be a top manager.

[one fine morning....]

GK) Green
RB) Spector (Neill won't get back til Friday from China?)
CB) Upson
CB) Ferdinand
LB) McCartney
RM) Ljungberg
CM) Collison
CM) Parker
LM) Noble
CF) Sears
CF) Ashton

Subs - Walker, Tomkins, Mullins, Reid, Zamora

[sanchoz]

any reason for completely leaving anton out?

I think he's had a poor spell lately and I think Tomkins would benefit from a start against a less threatening side than Everton. And whilst Ferinand would be my third choice centre-back for the game, it makes more sense to have Spector as the defensive option on the bench as he's proved he can do a good job at centre back, full back either side and central midfield. Frees the other three spots up for more attacking players (if we had someone like Dyer or Bellamy approaching fitness, I'd probably give them Mullins's spot.)

I'd go along with that. No better way of getting experience then playing and as we have nothing to play for I say give him another away day experience. Anton only plays at the moment because of the injury problems we have (I know I know I could be like Curbs going on about it) but if Gabbidon or Collins were fit they would have been in at least two games ago.

[Romford]

Can't see the 442 that a lot of people seem to be hoping for...The Macks have found some form and the 451 has done us favours away from home. Can see the same sort of thing as the Everton game bringing Sears on for the last 20 mins and changing the formation when their defence tires.

Hopefully he will play Nobby instead of LBM...and switch the "Wingers"

[Romford]

Anyone using the new direct train service on Grand Central ?

[MackemLad]

Jarvis cant believe you are advising them to drink in Newcastle, what an idiot - have some pride!

As for Grand Central Trains (http://www.grandcentralrail.co.uk/) - direct from London to Sunderland, canny service.

I hope you choose to drink in Sunderland before and after, you will get a better away day

Legends Sports Bar is ideal for a drink before and after as its on the right side of town, next to the bridge you need to walk over to get to the stadium and plenty room and bars.

Also regarding possible injuries, all 4 players will be playing - just mind games by Roy to keep them all on their toes.

I have this one down as a home win (which is unusual for me as i am pretty pesimistic regarding SAFC usually but you never know football, you will probably come and win now.

[MackemLad]

Agree 100% with the mackem, BTW. Sunderland >>> Newcastle. Better pubs, better people, less tourists, betrer atmosphere, IMHO.

Good lad Hopefully the longer we are in the Prem the more people that will realise this and with the direct train from London now things are better.

[Euclid]

I can't get over the fact that 3 points on saturday guarantees Premiership football next year - Happy days !!

[yabush]

I would like to see Tomkins get another start, and Sears also in the first 11. I think his time has come.

it's Tomkins's 19th birthday on that day too
hope the boy has a chance to play on that day