Sunderland meet Shrewsbury Town tomorrow, hoping to get their League One promotion campaign back on track after home defeat in midweek.
Both teams have been affected by Covid in recent weeks and need points at different ends of the table, although Salop are unbeaten in their last eight league matches. It promises to be a tough afternoon for the Black Cats, who have won just one of their last five outings.
Sunderland youngster Jack Diamond believe it will be a tough encounter, not least because it is at the Stadium of Light.
“We’ve got to bounce back after defeat on Tuesday, every game is important at this stage of the season,” said Diamond. “Whenever anyone comes and plays Sunderland it is a big game for them and they want to do one over on us, so we have to be first to it and rise to every occasion.”
With the right set of results, a win could see Sunderland enter the top six once again, but defeat may mean the gap is as much as six points, so there is a huge amount riding on the game. However, it seems some Sunderland supporters are tired of hearing how they are everyone’s cup tie.
The Black Cats have been beaten four times at home this season, only winning three, a record similar to Northampton in 20th place. That isn’t acceptable for a side used to playing in the Premier League, and these fans are sick of hearing about how big they are, or suppose they are.
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I'm fed up of hearing that teams want to "do one over us, because we're Sunderland". We're in League 1…stop acting like we're too good for the division and go and prove it on the pitch instead.
— Dave Smith (@SAFC__73) January 21, 2021
No ones bothered, at least I’m not- fed up of inconsistent performances and Donald stalling the takeover. Can’t be arsed anymore
— Jack Gilmore (@15jgilmore) January 21, 2021
Newcastle are in the premier league that's all the motivation you should need every time you go on to that pitch.
— Richard Benbow (@RichardBenbow79) January 21, 2021
Ffs announce this takeover already we have waited long enough!!!!!
— RonanCawley01 (@RCawley01) January 21, 2021
Try playing football watched sunderland since 1960 and this is the worst I've ever seen
— Alan Melbourne (@AlanMelbourne3) January 21, 2021
The only shining light this season this lad
— Matthew • 18 (@matthewftm02) January 21, 2021
Hopefully he’s nowhere near the starting 11
— Jack Moyes. (@1879JJMoyes) January 21, 2021
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I stopped caring many seasons ago, but still look for results its a habit i suppose. but really this squad of players are an embarrassment, ive witnessed some shockers over the years, but never as many collectively in one team. SHOCKING. No promotion this season thats a fact.