The Sunderland Prophet - Stoke City V Sunderland AFC

Last updated : 26 November 2004 By John Jenkin
Stoke City
Sunderland are in really good form, the players are unified and we still have players to come back from injury and return to form. Kyle and Piper are on their way back, with Stewart and Bridges bound to hit form at some point. I really feel that this is Sunderland's season, but does this mean we'll beat Stoke? Stoke are very similar to Millwall in the respect that they are a very physical team. Without Whitley and Robinson, Darren Carter is the only grafter in midfield, which could prove critical.

This is a game that the Sunderland we know, could and possible would, lose. Im hoping the dizzy hights of the top two doesn't lead our boys to complacency. Even taking this into consideration, I still can't predict anything else than a win for the Mackems.

The back four will remain the same, which I believe has been very solid this season. Darren Carter and Dean Whitehead will take control of the centre park with the ever improving Arca and Lawrence running the flanks. Elliott and Stewart will lead the attack with Mhyre keeping his place due to an injured Mart Poom, who has been very impressive since taking his place between the sticks.

Starting Eleven: Mhyre, Wright, Breen, Caldwell, McCartney, Lawrence, Whitehead, Carter, Arca, Stewart and Elliott.

Subs: Alnwick, Thornton, Collins (N), Brown and Bridges.

Score: STOKE CITY 1 SUNDERLAND AFC 3

Scorers: STEWART, ELLIOTT AND BRIDGES.