Oxford United travel to the division’s in-form side on Good Friday when Karl Robinson takes his team to the Stadium of Light.
Ahead of the game, we have spoken to A Love Supreme, a Sunderland Fanzine, and they have kindly answered some of our questions.
Where do you think you’ll finish this season?
I’m personally of the belief that the top two is certain. If we beat Peterborough on Easter Monday, I’ll confirm I believe we’ll go up as champions. For now, though, I back us to finish second (which I’d take!)
Who do you think will finish in the top six?
I personally think the current six will make up the top six points at the end of the season. (Hull, Peterborough, Sunderland, Lincoln, Portsmouth, Blackpool)
Who do you think will finish in the bottom four?
Rochdale, Bristol Rovers, Wigan and Northampton Town.
Key player(s) for Sunderland?
Firstly, Charlie Wyke. He is far from a complete forward, but he only needs one chance to score. He has a knack of instinctively converting from close range as well as latching onto the end of crosses.
Secondly, Aiden McGeady. He is currently the second-highest assister in League One despite not making a single appearance until December. McGeady can change a game in an instant and the prime example of this is his pass for Lynden Gooch’s winner in the Papa John’s Trophy final. He won’t always have a consistently impressive 90 minutes, but you can guarantee he will cause havoc on the left-hand side.
At the back, Dion Sanderson has been an absolute revelation. Due to injuries, he’s been forced to play there alongside Luke O’Nien (who we bought to play in central midfield or as a number ten) but he has stepped up and acted as a natural leader, despite only being 20-years-old! The lad oozes confidence and stability at the back.
Thoughts on Lee Johnson?
Fewer managers have had their backs against the wall more so than Lee Johnson. After his first three games, 17 players tested positive for the coronavirus just before Christmas. Since early January, we’ve had to play two games a week every with a squad full of players recovering from COVID-19!
He has a real football intelligence and has the knack of getting the best out of players, the improvement of Charlie Wyke and others such as Max Power are notable changes under him. I have every faith he is the right man for the job.
What is your general playing style?
We vary formation but always press from the front. The goal is to often cross the ball in from wide areas (particularly McGeady) but we don’t religiously stick to this. We can, at times, be quite unpredictable.
Favourite match this season?
Burton 0-3 Sunderland. After sending ourselves to Wembley in mid-week and defeating Doncaster 4-1 the week before, I saw us run out 3-0 winners away to a real bogey team of ours on my 18th birthday. A strong performance and great result has seemed to have caused a surge in form!
Least favourite match this season?
Shrewsbury 2-1 Sunderland. A pathetic performance was topped off with one of the worst individual errors I’ve ever seen from Remi Matthews in goal. Following this game was one of our best runs of form for years, but it’s fair to say promotion felt like a pipe dream at this point, I’d almost written us off!
Has there been less pressure playing behind closed doors?
I think it’s affected different players in different ways. Whilst some players, namely Chris Maguire, look as if they thrive off a crowd, it appears some have been able to thrive when the pressures off, such as Charlie Wyke.
Overall, I think it’s both helped and hindered us so far this season. The pressure of playing at the Stadium of Light can have both a positive and negative impact, but I lean more towards that it’s hindered us if anything.
Thoughts on the recent takeover?
I’m hopeful KLD (Kyril Louis-Dreyfus) can take the club forward. It’s just nice to have rid of the old regime really. But, for me, it’s too early to comment. I’ll make a serious judgement following our next transfer window.
Any Oxford players you would like to see in your team?
I’ll say Josh Ruffels. I’ve got no idea how good he is, but our most problems have come from left-back so far this season!
Thoughts on Oxford?
A side that typically gives us a hard game and have had less success than I’d imagine this season. I expected the U’s to be a serious contender for promotion before the season began, but it hasn’t gone that way! I’ve got every faith you lot can turn it around, however.
What do you think the score will be on Friday?
I’m going to back us to win 2-0. It seems to be a fairly common result for us!
Random fact about your club?
We were originally formed by six teachers!
