Sunderland’s ideal situation assessed as duo at risk of missing Newcastle clash
Sunderland could be without two of their key players when they face Newcastle in December.
While Regis Le Bris will remain focused on whatever comes next for Sunderland, many supporters are already starting to look ahead to the Tyne-Wear Derby in December.
Newcastle travel to face Sunderland in league action for the first time since 2015, looking for their first league win since 2011.
Given the start they have made to the campaign, the Black Cats will be full of optimism for their clash with their neighbours, though fears of two of their regulars missing the clash will grow over the next few weeks.
Noah Sadiki and Granit Xhaka will be needed vs Newcastle
Sunderland’s midfield has been their biggest success this season, and Noah Sadiki and Granit Xhaka have been the driving force behind that.
However, both of them are on four yellow cards, and their next would see them serve a one-match suspension.
The absolute worst-case scenario would see Sunderland’s midfield duo miss the clash with Newcastle, though if the Black Cats are smart about it, that can be avoided.
- Yellow card against Fulham – miss Bournemouth clash
- Yellow card against Bournemouth – miss Liverpool clash
- Yellow card against Liverpool – miss Man City clash
- Yellow card against Man City – miss Newcastle clash
Fulham are the opponents up next for Sunderland, and if either of the two picks up a yellow card, it would see them miss the Bournemouth clash.
Should either of them pick up a yellow card in that encounter, they would miss the away trip to Liverpool.
Both of them scenarios would be the most ideal situation for Sunderland, who have some big fixtures to come after that.
With that said, it is also going to be vital that the duo aren’t suspended for the same game, with Le Bris to face a dilemma in that regard.
Liverpool away is a free hit for Sunderland
Sunderland’s 2-2 draw with Arsenal showcased that they can compete with the best, and with that in mind, an away trip to Anfield to face a struggling Liverpool side may not seem that threatening.
The Reds are still a dominant force at home, and while losing either Xhaka or Sadiki would be a blow, it would do little to impact the fact that they will not be expected to take anything away from the game.
Sunderland’s last win against the Merseysiders was back in 2012, and their last win at Anfield was back in 1983.
- Sunderland wins – 52
- Draws – 39
- Liverpool wins – 79
One thing that is clear is that the Black Cats simply cannot afford to have any notable absentees when they welcome Newcastle to the Stadium of Light.
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