Expect a really scrappy physical game today, Stoke like a tackle or 2 so I would think Kenwyne and cisse will come in for some stick, hope they both come through OK especially Kenwyne for you in the week.
Ferninand has been carrying a knock for a couple of weeks now, I hope it doesn't mean both new loan signings play in defence, no game, no training just asking for trouble. Past caring about performances now just results so 3 points would give a bit of breathing space given we have a few hard games coming up with points few and far between.
Audio Link
http://mfile.akamai.com/6095/live/reflector:35549.asx?bkup=35550Video Link
http://atdhe.net/live-tv-3078.htmlThere will be others as it is being shown on a couple of sat channels.
For those that like stats there is a newish tool here
http://www.guardian.co.uk/football/chalkboardsPass completion players stats shots tackles et al by team player etc keep you busy for hours
http://www.safc.com/match/?page_id=16820&fixture=3004691By Nick Alexander
Kenwyne Jones and Djibril Cisse are set to return to Sunderland's side for the game against Stoke tomorrow (3pm).
The strikers, who stepped down from duty in Wednesday's FA Cup replay at Blackburn, which Sunderland lost, have scored 18 goals between them this season.
Cisse has a minor leg injury but it is thought he will be fit for the game at the Stadium of Light.
Boss Ricky Sbragia said: "People say that Jones and Cisse have not clicked as a partnership, but they cause defenders problems and they are still scoring goals.
"There is more to come from them but teams are wary of them and they have scored goals. We just need to make sure other players chip in."
ricardofuller Ricardo Fuller heads the winner in Sunderland's defeat at Stoke in October
Marton Fulop is set to play in goal despite a good performance from Craig Gordon on his return from injury in the fourth-round replay at Ewood Park.
Sbragia said: "Craig was excellent [against Blackburn] and it has put a bit more pressure on Marton and myself, but he [Marton] has done extremely well over 9 or 10 games, I think he deserves to stay in."
New signings Tal Ben-Haim and Calum Davenport are available and will go into Sunderland's squad for the first time.
Dean Whitehead and Kieran Richardson are set to return to the starting line-up while left-back George McCartney could be rested.
Nyron Nosworthy and Paul McShane remain sidelined through injury.
Sunderland (from): Fulop, Gordon, Bardsley, Collins, Ferdinand, McCartney, Ben-Haim, Davenport, Edwards, Tainio, Whitehead, Malbranque, Richardson, Leadbitter, Yorke, Reid, Cisse, Murphy, Jones, Healy.
On a side note with the economy tanking and the area suffering the club has announced a reduction in season ticket prices next season, its also offering children U 16 a season ticket for £19 with a paid adult season ticket.
