Sunderland build up

[Mostar]

Indeed.

I'd have liked to see a Lucas, Adam axis too. I think this will be a key area of the pitch for us; two players who can win us possession and both are going to be our springboard to attack. From the little I saw of Adam last season, he did give up the chase when tracking back - whether that was a fitness thing or his head had been turned, I don't know, but Blackpool conceded a lot of goals were Adam didn't follow his man. If we've addressed his concentration and fitness in pre-season, great, as I think he is going to be an extremely important player for us.

Lucas just needs to continue his form from last season. His importance to the team will be highlighted more when we have Enrique and Johnson bombing forward. Bring Gerrard back in to the mix and it looks as if he is going to be edged towards the right side in my opinion.

And this is before we even talk about Henderson and Meireles!

It's different type of a club and different expectations with LFC.

He's gonna need to do much more defensively and in general if he wants to keep his spot on the team.

[Exiled_red]

Indeed.

I'd have liked to see a Lucas, Adam axis too. I think this will be a key area of the pitch for us; two players who can win us possession and both are going to be our springboard to attack. From the little I saw of Adam last season, he did give up the chase when tracking back - whether that was a fitness thing or his head had been turned, I don't know, but Blackpool conceded a lot of goals were Adam didn't follow his man. If we've addressed his concentration and fitness in pre-season, great, as I think he is going to be an extremely important player for us.

Lucas just needs to continue his form from last season. His importance to the team will be highlighted more when we have Enrique and Johnson bombing forward. Bring Gerrard back in to the mix and it looks as if he is going to be edged towards the right side in my opinion.

And this is before we even talk about Henderson and Meireles!

It will be interesting to see what roles they play, whether Henderson plays centrally or on the right side. Meireles I don't really have a clue what we'll do with him, as I've been saying all summer I can't see him getting many games.

[Muddled]

Only problem with your argument is that Spearing is not close to being as good defensively as he's made out to be. He's definitely not one who adds "steel" into a midfield.

He certrainly adds bite.

A midfield of Adam and Henderson will get pulled all over the park.

And whilst still learning and developing, Spearing is our second bese option for a destructive midfield role.

[JohnDoe]

He certrainly adds bite.

He adds nothing of real significance.

A midfield of Adam and Henderson will get pulled all over the park.

I don't see how Spearing and Adam are better.

To be honest, if Kenny's going to insist on having either Lucas or Spearing in the team every game, I'm going to change my prediction on us finishing 3rd to us finishing 5th. We'll have to wait and see the official line up.

[doogle]

Mignolet

Bardsley
Brown
Ferdinand
Richardson

Larsson
Gardner
Cattermole
Colback

Sess
Gyan

Had a look on a sunderland website and this is the team Bruce has been working on in training

[Muddled]

It's different type of a club and different expectations with LFC.

He's gonna need to do much more defensively and in general if he wants to keep his spot on the team.

Exactly. As long as he's willing to learn from his previous mistakes (which I'm sure he will), then he can really progress as a player. Going by pre-season, he was a little too keen to put his foot in, but if we can reign that in with out sacrificing that combative nature, we are on to a great thing.

[Shaggy]

Mignolet

Bardsley
Brown
Ferdinand
Richardson

Larsson
Gardner
Cattermole
Colback

Sess
Gyan

Had a look on a sunderland website and this is the team Bruce has been working on in training

Terrifying.

Be surprised if Vaughan doesn't start. Is he injured?

[Muddled]

It will be interesting to see what roles they play, whether Henderson plays centrally or on the right side. Meireles I don't really have a clue what we'll do with him, as I've been saying all summer I can't see him getting many games.

Yup, it's as if the Meireles role doesn't exist in how we are looking to set up this season. If he does start, it won't be good news, as I think it will be in the Suarez role on paper.

As for Aqulani, it's rumoured AC Milan will be back in for him shortly.

[doogle]

Terrifying.

Be surprised if Vaughan doesn't start. Is he injured?

I dont know I'll go have a look see

[doogle]

Decent side that, we couldnt do much better atm. Was hoping to see vauhan out left, but happy that colback's kept his place.

Don't think hes injured, Colbacks in his place

[Exiled_red]

Yup, it's as if the Meireles role doesn't exist in how we are looking to set up this season. If he does start, it won't be good news, as I think it will be in the Suarez role on paper.

As for Aqulani, it's rumoured AC Milan will be back in for him shortly.

IMO now is the time to sell Meireles, I don't see him getting games (even with a couple of injuries) and he had a good season last year, if he doen't play much this year his value will drop significantly.

[Shaggy]

[Muddled]

He adds nothing of real significance.

I don't see how Spearing and Adam are better.

He's a nuisance, a whippet, a player that is constantly tapping at your heels. He's committed, enjoys a challenge and protects our back four well, whilst positionally he can be found out, I'd prefer some 'bite' in our team, than a midfield that is going to get bullied.

To be honest, if Kenny's going to insist on having either Lucas or Spearing in the team every game, I'm going to change my prediction on us finishing 3rd to us finishing 5th. We'll have to wait and see the official line up.

I fail to see how playing last years player of the season is going to hinder us.

[Mostar]

IMO now is the time to sell Meireles, I don't see him getting games (even with a couple of injuries) and he had a good season last year, if he doen't play much this year his value will drop significantly.

If it would boil down to the choice between him and Aquilani I would definitely sell him.

The problem is that Aquilani is the one more likely to go so I can see Raul staying one more season.

Don't think we'll get rid of both this transfer window.

[rudedog]

He adds nothing of real significance.



I don't see how Spearing and Adam are better.

To be honest, if Kenny's going to insist on having either Lucas or Spearing in the team every game, I'm going to change my prediction on us finishing 3rd to us finishing 5th. We'll have to wait and see the official line up.

Why wouldn't he want Lucas in the team when available ?