|
2010/2011
|
|
Written by Chestermackem
|
 The opening day of the Premiership Season was a disappointing one for both Sunderland and our next opponents WBA. Both sides failed to win, but we were poles apart with our respective results.
Whilst we threw away a 2-0 lead at home to Birmingham, WBA were given a harsh re-introduction to the top flight with a 6-0 thumping away to Chelsea.
There were plenty positives to take from our game despite throwing away our lead, more positives than can be said for the Baggies.
I spoke to West Brom fan Carl from Walsall to see what his thoughts were ahead of our clash. Carl is a member of reliable footy forum footymad.net.
-------------------------------
Hi Carl, thanks for taking the time to speak to us.
Tough start to the season for the Baggies last weekend?
Yeah it was a tough one. They don’t get much tougher than Chelsea away. We didn’t help ourselves by giving away an early goal but I didn’t expect us to get a result there anyway. Its not going to those games which will shape our season. Its going to be the home games against the likes of Sunderland on Saturday.
How can WBA bounce back from such a defeat?
It will have been a wake up call for the players and I have no doubts you will see a better WBA team on Saturday. Our home form must be key this season.
Have you been happy with your Summer transfers?
Not entirely. I appreciate we are a well run club and don’t have the capabilities to spend huge amounts of money, and more so to attract the bigger players…but I also find it frustrating with the lack of signings. Myhill is a decent enough keeper but we already have Carson and the experienced Kiely.
Nicky Shorey is a good acquisition. An experienced Premiership defender who has played for England. He is a player I believe can help keep us up. I think our strongest first XI is strong on its day, but our lack of quality in depth worrys me a little.
And what’s your predictions for WBA’s season?
If we can keep key players such as Shorey, Dorrans, Brunt and Miller fit all season that will be the difference. But we need another striker and midfielder in my opinion. A few more signings.
Looks like Odemwingie is close to a move to the club and he looks like an exciting player. Survival has to be the target, but look at Birmingham last season. They were tipped for the drop and had a great run. Football is never straightforward.
What is your opinion of Sunderland’s transfer dealings and what are your predictions for the Black Cats this season?
The Kenwyne Jones transfer surprised me, especially because you haven’t signed a replacement. You have inevitably weakened your team and that surprises me. Sunderland have been a side on the up over the last couple of years and to sell one of your best players is a bad move. It further more suggests that you are a one man team with Darren Bent. That is the only difference between most the teams at the bottom and Sunderland. You have Bent and they don’t.
Which Sunderland players would you like to see in WBA team if you could sign them?
If we are speaking in fantasy terms, the obvious players would be Darren Bent and John Mensah who I rate really highly. I’m not so fussed on your midfielders but somebody like Andy Reid or Steed Malbranque would give us priceless experience.
Is Roberto Di Matteo the man for WBA?
Last season, most definitely but this is the challenge. Stepping up to the pressures of the Premiership.
I hope so. He is a likeable guy.
How do you see the game going on Saturday?
I’m expecting a good open game. I’ve heard Sunderland are bringing a huge following which in fairness you always do and it creates a better atmosphere. I don’t think we will be faultless at the back, but I hope we show more confidence going forward. I’m going to say 2-1 to the baggies. We need to win our home games if we are to survive the drop this season. I think Darren Bent will score for Sunderland as usual but hoping our attacking midfield options will be the difference and score a few goals. Your keeper looked shaky against Birmingham so he needs to be targeted from the start.
How do you see you your fellow Promoted teams doing this season?
I’d expect Newcastle to stay up. They have the ability to attract a higher class of player and they have the players to stay up. I watched them against Man Utd and although they lost, they looked organised and over the course of the season they will win enough games.
Blackpool had a great start but they don’t have enough ammo. They will go down.
Which three teams will be relegated in your opinion?
I have no doubts Blackpool will bomb. I also think it’s the end of Wigan Athletic. We will finish above both teams. I do strongly believe that. So its going to be a case of finishing above other sides who will be in the mix such as Wolves, Birmingham and Bolton.
If we can finish above Birmingham that would be the perfect scenario. A perfect season as long as its 17th+
And how do you see the top four finishing?
Chelsea to win the league again. Man Utd to finish second and Arsenal third. Manchester City and Liverpool to battle for fourth.
And just finally, which player do you think will impress most this season in the Premiership?
If Paul Scholes plays as well as he did on Monday night he could be the player of the season. An amazing footballer over the years. The usual suspects such as Drogba, Rooney and Lampard will all be up there.
Thanks for your time Carl.
Chester's Conclusion: "Our away form was poor last season, but if are to move forward as a club and aim higher, we need to be getting results away from home at the newly promoted teams. WBA are off the back of a huge defeat but they will know its not games against Chelsea which will define their season. I expect WBA to be fired up and not an easy team to beat, however if Bent and Campbell show the pace and power they are capable of I think we will have enough in the tank to beat them. Sunderland to win 2-1 is my prediction." |
|
|
|
|
<< Start < Prev 1 2 3 4 Next > End >> |
|
Page 3 of 4 |
