Surely, this is a must-win match for us. After being winless in our first 4 matches, we have to start winning now if we want to move up the league table. We have a great record against Sunderland in recent years, winning 7 and drawing 3 of our last 10 matches against them. So, there is no reason whatsoever why we cannot win this match. Besides, we have a tough matches against Arsenal, ManCity and Monaco coming up. So, we need to find the winning formula before going into those matches.
We again have to rely on Kane for the goals. It was nice to see Kane scoring 2 goals for England during the international break. Hope he will bring that goal scoring run to Spurs. But he has only scored 2 goals in 12 matches since playing for England last time. So, we badly need him to score for us in this match. Wish we had signed another striker in the transfer window. Son, if he starts, will be under pressure to prove his huge transfer fee. Frankly, will prefer Son to come on as subs until he proves his worth. We badly lack a match-winner nowadays. So, it will be great if Eriksen is fit to play in this match. He has not been in great form for the last 20 matches or so. But he has scored 3 goals in his last 3 matches against Sunderland. So, hope he will get back his best form in this match. Similialy, hope Chadli will score in this match as he did score against Sunderland last season. Will be disappointed if Lamela doesn't play some part in the match despite his poor recent form.
I think this match will be won or lost in midfield. We need to win the midfield battle if we want to have any chance to get something from this match. Not convinced of our midfield so far this season. It is really annoying that Pochettino failed to sign a defensive midfielder to strengthen the midfield. It is remain to be seen how much it will affect us without one. Still not convinced of Dier, Mason and Bentaleb in midfield. Wish Dembele is fit for this match. His dribbling skills will be much usefull for us. Won't mind if Delli starts in midfield even if he had a poor match against Everton.
After keeping the clean sheet against Everton, hope our defence will be able to stop Sunderland scoring as well. Only ManCity, ManU and Arsenal have conceded less goals than us so far this season. That seem to show our defence have done well so far. But then, our defence have not been really tested so far. Want to see Vertonghen and Alderweireld have better understanding between them. They cannot afford to make any mistakes if we want to start winning matches. Hope Lloris will be able to keep another clean sheet in this match. We traditionally let our former players score against us. Will be very annoyed if Defoe or even Kaboul score against us in this match !
We badly need to win this match ! With the excellent record we have against Sunderland, anything other than a win will be a setback for Pochettino and us.