Yeah, both teams have started just how I expected us too. I think it'll be a good game if we can step up to the physical side of the game. This is the games we need to win if we are going to go for our top half finish.
Our style of play is well documented by the media but what can we expect from the Black Cats?
It depends what Sunderland turn up really, if it's the same team that started against Bolton and played like they did against Bolton. I've got no worries, plenty of slick & good passing of the ball. You can expect Sunderland to be in your face every time you get on the ball and we'll look to counteracctack when we can.
We have a whole host of players who used to ply their trade in the North East, Abdoulaye and Amdy Faye along with Andy Griffin used to play for Newcastle, Tuncay and Robert Huth used to play for Middlesbrough and then Danny Higginbotham, Liam Lawrence, Dean Whitehead, Rory Delap and Thomas Sorenson all played for yourselves. Does this mean you will just be constantly booing one player or another or do some of them have the respect of the Black Cats faithful?
I can't see any of the ex Sunderland or Boro lads getting booed, I'd guess the fans will start off booeing when we first kick off, but that'll die off and all you'll hear is Sunderland cants.
Which Stoke player, if any, will you be wary of?
Liam Lawrence and Dean Whitehead will both want to well against us. Even more with Dean Whitehead after he started to get some stick near the end of the season, if Lawrence strikes a ball like I know he can, we've got truble on our hands.
Who should we be keeping an eye on from your side?
Darren Bent, who else?
What is your prediction for the game?
2-1 to Sunderland with Lawrence scoring for you and Darren Bent & Andy Reid scoring for us.