EPL Season Preview 2011-12: Sunderland- Can the Black Cats catch the European Flight?

Sunderland FC

Sunderland AFC, a great football club with great aspirations. Like any other football club, they want to grow and win things. Last season was a decent one for Sunderland under Steve Bruce. Sunderland began their campaign with a few important wins and at one point of time it seemed realistic that they would qualify for Europa League. However, they failed to continue that kind of momentum in the second half of the season and had to be content with a 10th place finish. But, the quality of the squad can not be denied.

This season, however, they would want to get further up the table. Having made some good signings, the club is looking forward to a better season.

LAST SEASON:

Sunderland had a great season last year, winning against the top teams. Sunderland was 6th on the table till mid January but started sliding after a few key players had to sit out due to injuries. Danny Welbeck, on loan from Manchester United, one of the main strikers got injured and then Sunderland lost some key matches which led to their downfall. In April, Sunderland went as low as 14th position, but somehow managed to win a few crucial matches and get back on track. They finally finished 10th with 47 points. Their best win came against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge where the Black Cats ran a riot to win with a resounding 3-0 scoreline.

TRANSFER TALK:

Players In:

Connor Wickham (£ 8,100,000 from Ipswich) [Striker]

Ahmed Elmohamady (£ 2,000,000 from ENPPI Club) [Winger]

Craig Gardner (Undisclosed from Birmingham City) [Midfielder]

Sebastian Larsson (Free Transfer from Birmingham City) [Right Winger]

John O’Shea (Undisclosed from Manchester United) [Right back]

Wes Brown (Undisclosed from Manchester United) [Defender]

Players Out:

Steed Malbranque (Undisclosed to Saint-Etienne)

Jordan Henderson (Undisclosed to Liverpool)

Steve Bruce made sure that he adds quality as well as experience to the club. His best capture would be of Manchester United duo John O’Shea and Wes Brown. Both are experienced enough for a solid defence force at Sunderland. In midfield, he signed Ahmed Elmohamady permanently after his impressive performance as a loanee. Craig Gardner, another experienced midfielder along with free agent Sebastian Larsson, both from Birmingham City are the new faces in midfield. Connor Wickham is talented enough to go on and become best signing of the season. Connor Wickham is a bright young striker who is a very good prospect for the club. His impressive goal scoring in the lower leagues prompted Steve Bruce to invest in this youngster

PRE SEASON FORM:

Sunderland were decent with their performance in their pre season friendlies. Winning 3, losing 2 and drawing 2.

York City v Sunderland : Won 1-2

Arminia Bielefeld v Sunderland : Draw 1-1

Hannover 96 v Sunderland : Lost 3-1

Borussia Mönchengladbach v Sunderland : Draw 0-0

Kilmarnock v Sunderland : Won 1-2

Burnley v Sunderland : Lost 1-0

Hartlepool United v Sunderland : Won 1-3

THE BLACK CATS TALISMAN:

Asamoah Gyan, a record deal for Sunderland at 13 Million pounds last year, quite justified the amount paid for him. He was the top scorer for Sunderland last year with 11 goals from 31 appearances. He proved last year what a valuable player he was for the club. He is again going to be the focal point of attack for the club this season. He will be the key for Glory. Once again he is being tipped to be the top scorer for Sunderland this year. And given his quality, no doubt can be raised that he can be a one man army for Sunderland.

Sunderland’s formation and possible line up:

Steve Bruce like to switch formations between 4-4-2, 4-5-1 and 4-2-3-1 according to the opponent. 4-4-2 and 4-5-1 are most commonly seen.

The best possible line up for Sunderland would be:

Gordon, O’Shea, Turner, Wes Brown, Bramble, Cattermole, Gardner, Elmohamady, Larsson, Sessegnon, Gyan.

Steve Bruce is having plenty of options for all the areas, which makes up a good squad with good bench strength as well.

Expectations and Predictions:

Sunderland have players in quality as well as quantity. And with Steve Bruce as the manager, they can certainly mount a challenge for Europa League this season. Sunderland will begin their campaign against Liverpool at Anfield. A tough start? Only on paper maybe, they showed last year what they are capable of.

Predictions: Sunderland can well finish in the top 10 again, but improvement is what every club aims for. Sunderland would want to challenge for an Europa League spot. At this point of time, it is difficult to say how Sunderland will finish the season, but going by the quality and capability, it could be anywhere between 5 to 10.Check out our other season previews:

Arsenal: Will The Gunners Finally Fire?

Manchester United: All set for a Treble

Tottenham Hotspur: Champions League Football to Return to the Lane?

Valencia CF: Time to Return to Old Glory?

Manchester City: A Dynasty to be Feared?

Liverpool FC: Will They Walk Alone?

QPR: Underdogs or a Real Deal?

Chelsea: Special Expectations on the New ‘Special One’