Team News

Gregory Vignal, Franck Queudrue and Stuart Parnaby could all be back for Blues although only one would be required to slot into left back. This could mean that Liam Ridgewell returns to central defence probably at the expense of Scott Dann. Keith Fahey is likely to be out again and on-loan Teemu Tainio is ineligible to play against his parent club. Christian Benitez should start after being given a bit of a talking to concerning his late return from international duty.

Sunderland will be without Lee Cattermole, who is out for at least 12 weeks after suffering medial ligament damage against Liverpool. Kenwyne Jones was also stretchered off in that game but is expected to be available. Last week’s match winner Beach Ball (On loan from Liverpool) is unlikely to feature.

Our last meeting in January 2008 ended in a 2-0 defeat at the Stadium of Light. Earlier that season the two sides drew 2-2 at St Andrews. Garry O’Connor’s first goal for the club put us 2-1 up before former Blues favourite Stern John scored a last minute equaliser. I still think there was a foul on the keeper in the build up to that goal.

7th placed Sunderland are unbeaten in four games in all competitions which includes a 2-0 defeat of Blues in the Carling Cup. They have had only one away win in the league this season which came on opening day at Bolton. They have scored only four away goals.

Blues sit 17th just outside the bottom three on goal difference. They have lost the last three and have scored only 2 goals at home all season.

This is a game of firsts. It will be the first home game under the new owners and the first time that Steve Bruce visits St Andrews as an opposing manager. Of the two the return of Brucie holds the greater significance for me. For the first three years of his managership he gave us some of the best memories of recent times. In the latter years his transfer policy was questionable to say the least and led to a slow decline and many fans calling for his head. By the time he went it was probably for the best although the manner of his departure was disappointing. I for one will clap him if the opportunity presents itself. I wonder if we can get him to give us a wave?

As for the game this is one where we need to be looking to get something out of. Sunderland will be tough opponents but on the back of three straight losses and with Man City and Liverpool to come even a point will be welcome. As Hull are playing Portsmouth a defeat could plunge us into the bottom three and it might take a while to get back out again. For me the key is to be positive. Sunderland have a very potent strike force and Darren Bent is on fire at the moment but their defence has been far from sound. They will also be missing their key defensive midfielder Lee Cattermole. Of course for us to exploit this defensive weakness we have to attack which surely must mean 4-4-2 from the start. Especially now our strikers are fit. For me it’s a lack of belief that has led to our negative displays at home and if we can get this back then we can definitely get something out of this game. Even though we can’t spend it until January the proposed cash injection should help raise spirits. As fans we can also help with this.

My prediction 1-1.

Enjoy the game but if you’re going please leave your inflatables at home!