After the morale boosting win over Aston Villa, we should be going into this match full of confidence. Just hope we don't get complacent. We have got good results against Sunderland in recent years, winning 2 and drawing 2 in our last 4 matches against them. But can see Sunderland making it hard for us as they are boosted by the win over ManCity. Our away form has been good this season. Hope we continue that and extend our winning run.
Without a doubt, all the attention will be on Bale in this match. After scoring the brilliant hattrick against Villa, everyone will be looking to Bale to be influential again. But can see Sunderland marking him tightly in this match. Just hope Bale will be able to lift his game and lead us to victory. As always, our performance will depend largely on how Bale plays. Hope he will have another good game. Wish Dembele and Lennon will be able to lift their game in this match. I think Dembele need to score or atleast assist our goals. Similiarly need more goals from Lennon.
Defoe got a much needed goal against Villa. He needed that goal to get back into goal scoring ways. Just hope he will be boosted by that in this match. Adebayor has been really disappointing since his return. So, would prefer Dempsey to start in his place if he is fit. After all, Dempsey was in fine form before he got injured. Hope Dempsey will be all fired up to get a goal or two in this match.
Our defence have been really good in recent matches, keeping 3 clean sheets in a row. Just hope we will be able to keep another clean sheet. Won't mind if we play the same defence who played against Villa. But can see the return of Dawson or Caulker. Hope Lloris will be able to organzine our defence well whoever play in front of him. It will be great if we can stop Sunderland from scoring.
The race for top 4 is getting really tight every week. We have no choice but to keep on winning to stay in touch with our rivals. We got the quality to beat Sunderland. Just hope we turn up for this match with the right mentality and extend our winning run.