THE CHIRP, SUNDERLAND v NORWICH

OVERVIEW

A long time ago, in a Glaswegian galaxy far, far away…

Two men did unite, their names Lambert and O’Neill. Their mission, to conquer Scottish football for the Hoops of Celtic. They faced grave challenges along the way, such as the nightmare child in blue. They made the perilous trip into Europe and they did succeed, reaching the final. The smiles rose, the domination had commenced yet obstacles awaited. O’Neill had to depart, for domestic responsibilities awaited, Lambert did follow, stepping into his master’s shoes, the apprentice found his way into management. Now, the apprentice has rose to startling heights, and he faces the master. Lambert v O’Neill, let the battle commence…

SUNDERLAND AFC

Sunderland have been rejuvenated since the appointment of Martin O’Neill at the helm. Under Steve Bruce they had somewhat lost their way, teetering just above and sometimes being submerged within the bottom 3. However, the Black Cats currently find themselves lodged in just below the Canaries – in 10th place. One of the major plus points since O’Neill has taken charge is the emergence of James McLean, the talented young winger has almost emerged from nowhere to make a real impact for his team. McLean had struggled to get in amongst the starting eleven when Bruce was in charge, though was thrown into affairs during O’Neill’s first game. A quick young winger, with skill and tenacity to boot, he’s certainly a threat and has proved a major outlet for the Black Cats in recent weeks. With 2 goals to his name after 8 appearances, he’s had a lightning start to his Sunderland career and will certainly be a troublesome opponent for the Canary defence tomorrow.

Arguably Sunderland’s best player is Stephane Sessegnon. The little Frenchman has bundles of ability and is really finding his feet after moving to Sunderland in January of last year. He’s capable of scoring a goal or two, while also proving a creative outlet for his side. One of Sessegnon’s best assets is his considerable pace. We’ve obviously seen that City do struggle at times against the quicker lads, Jerome Thomas giving Russell Martin a torrid time on Saturday – so there will have to be careful tactics in order to quell the threat of the Frenchman. Injury wise it’s been documented that Sunderland should be without Wes Brown, who has been a fixed point in their back four and David Vaughan – deadly from free-kicks and always capable of a cracking delivery.

Form wise, the Black Cats have enjoyed a decent run of late. Since O’Neill took charge they’ve lost only 2 games, those away at Chelsea and Tottenham – both by 1-0 scorelines which is certainly no disgrace. In the Premiership, they’ve won 3 of their last 5 – including a mightily impressive triumph over Manchester City. Sunday saw the Black Cats go up against rivals Middlesbrough in the FA Cup. A gruelling game saw them pick up injuries to Wes Brown and David Vaughan, the eventual draw means that Sunderland have an FA Cup replay to contend with. The last time the two sides met saw the Canaries come out 2-1 winners, it meant they claimed back-to-back Premiership wins after previously winning at Bolton. Goals from Leon Barnett and Steve Morison rendered a late Kieran Richardson strike meaningless. The result heaped more pressure on Steve Bruce.

NORWICH CITY

The Canaries come into the clash on the back of their best month so far this season. City have won 4 of their 5 games in January, admittedly 2 of them were FA Cup wins – though as the saying goes, winning breeds confidence. The only game Norwich failed to gain a win from was Chelsea at home. The 0-0 draw led to City’s first clean sheet of the season, which in itself was another confidence booster and fantastic achievement. The strikers of Grant Holt, Steve Morison and Simeon Jackson have all been banging them in – claiming 7 goals between them, Morison leading the way with 3 goals so far. John Ruddy has been right on form also, while Daniel Ayala and Zak Whitbread have been building a fantastic partnership at the back. It’s been as if City have learned how to kill off games in January, adopting a different range of tactics to restrict opponents from getting back into things – the West Brom games have been a prime example, wherein City have soaked up considerable pressure before hitting them on the counter attack.

The versatile Kyle Naughton will be one of our biggest players tomorrow night I feel. Sunderland have a set of several players who really provide their spark, one of those is James McLean. Playing on the wing he’s likely to attack our full-backs, Naughton has been playing well of late – flourishing at the back and quelling potential threats. He’s likely to be set upon McLean, and after doing so well recently I’m sure he’s up to the challenge. Defensively the Canaries are going to have to maintain their high standards regardless due to the flare that Sessegnon will also provide. With a few defensive injuries for Sunderland, the frontline of Morison and Holt could provide City with some joy as it did against Newcastle. The big bruising strikers may be effective if Sunderland are without some of their first choice centre backs.

COLKY’S CORNER

“We barely had time to think about our League win at The Hawthorns before we were heading back across the country to face The Baggies in the FA Cup. For me, the worst draw we could of had, yet the boys came through with another win and another clinical display. It was incredible how the game seemed to play out in pretty much the same way as the League match. We take the lead late in the first half, they score early in the second then we capitalise on their loose play and get the win when the game looks like it is going to a draw! But I think this game underlines the difference between Norwich at the start of the Season and Norwich now. We used to be the ones making mistakes that cost us dearly, but now we have tightened the defence, we know we can hold out against teams and then we just wait for that one mistake and make the opposition pay. We still play lovely football in-between but we are definitely getting better at the back and that means we don’t have to be so gung ho. We are really becoming a quality Premier League side.

Our brilliant start to 2012 continues and now we go to Sunderland and Lambert gets to pit his wits against Martin O’Neill, his former mentor. Sunderland have been in good form lately but Norwich’s away record has been outstanding over the last month and a half. We have only been beaten once since we played Man City, with 5 away trips in that time bringing 3 wins and 2 draws. That is a great effort. It shows we don’t have to rely on home form. We are just as good at picking up the points away from Carrow Road. Sunderland are going to be a tough test. They have a strong squad and O’Neill has really got them going since he took charge. They are currently unbeaten at home under O’Neill so I’m going to go for a draw here. 1-1. I’m sure the boys will do us proud as they have done all season. The game we really need to get points in shall be on Saturday against Bolton!”

SP’S PREDICTION, I’m fairly confident the apprentice will topple the master. A manager always has a few weird results when he takes over, Peter Grant losing 5-0 to Stoke after 2 impressive wins v Cardiff and Birmingham as an example. I feel it’s going to happen to O’Neill on Wednesday, and the Canaries will come away with a 3-1 victory.

In: Cory Varney Thread By: Supermarket Prodigy [391 ] Posted: 109 days ago