Black Cats set to Hammer home their point

By Zain Alvi | 30th October 2009

Black Cats set to Hammer home their point | read this item

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Steve Bruce has already shown what he is capable of after immediately transforming Sunderland from the eternal strugglers to the league’s surprise package. The Black Cats have ensured that the Stadium of Light remains a fortress this season as they have not lost at home since their opening home fixture against league leaders Chelsea. In fact, their five game winning streak at home has seen them confidently score 14 times while conceding on only four occasions.

While their form on the road has been shaky in comparison, that will be irrelevant this weekend as they will be playing hosts, and that too against a struggling West Ham United side. While the Hammers have certainly proven their pedigree at their home ground – Upton Park – over the years, they will have their hands full on the weekend when they go up against a capacity crowd at Tyneside Wearside in one of their worst phases in recent times.

Gianfranco Zola’s side is not only struggling at the penultimate spot at the bottom of the table, but it also finds itself relying heavily on star striker Carlton Cole for a much-needed revival. With skipper Scott Parker harshly shown a red card during the hard-fought 2-2 draw in East London last weekend, the midfield is devoid of quality playmakers. Sunderland, on the other hand, is expected to compensate for its own midfield absentees – John Mensah and Lee Cattermore – with its clinical strike partnership of Darren Bent and Kenwyne Jones.

At the end of the day, however, it will all come down to the battle between the two managers. Will Steve Bruce outwit the inexperienced Gianfranco Zola in a bid to consolidate Sunderland’s Europa League qualification credentials? Or will the embattled Zola show the character needed to overcome the latest challenge faced by his relegation-threatened outfit? Find out for yourself when the two sides battle it out tomorrow.

Zain Alvi says:

October 30, 2009 at 7:43 pm

My apologies…I assure you that I certainly know that the Sunderland – and the Stadium of Light – is based in Wearside. It really was a typo on my part so no need to get worked up guys…

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Ian Dixon says:

October 30, 2009 at 6:47 pm

The game is not on Tyneside, sort your geography out and dont insult us from Wearside mixing us up with the fizzy pop league team

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Mick H says:

October 30, 2009 at 6:20 pm

Howling error, The match will be played on Wearside not Tyneside.

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