Sunderland V Stoke Preview

Where do we start?

After an awful week on Wearside we have to approach this game as though the Newcastle game never happened. After all, we still are unbeaten at home since Man Utd beat us last season and we are still in the top half.

Steve Bruce was a hurt man after the shocking display on Sunday and he will be looking for a reaction from his players against Stoke.

After struggling so much against crosses and target men it is never an easy task to defend against Tony Pulis team. Kenwyne will be looking to cause more pain after his sharp exit and with many ex Sunderland players they will also be looking to cause an upset.

Bent told the Sunderland Echo:

'I always found Kenwyne a joy to play with.

'Even when it was said that he wasn't running, he wasn't doing this or that, he always had that presence where he might not do anything for 15 minutes, but then he would do something that would affect the game.

'He would knock a header down to me and I would be in, or he would score a goal himself.

'I always felt that he did well in most games. He was brilliant to play up front with and probably the best person I have played up front with in my career.'

Sunderland have had a flu virus around the camp this week and some players are still touch and go.

It has been confirmed that Gyan will start against Stoke alongside Bent as Bruce changes to 4-4-2.

Gordon could come in to replace Mignolet and if Mensah has avoided a sneeze he may replace the suspended Bramble at the back.

After only making one start for Sunderland in the Carling cup defeat to West Ham, Gyan will be looking to impress on his league debut.

For £13m we expect him to cause Stoke some problems and especially after they have lost the last four games on the spin.

Here is hoping that Bent and Gyan, a combined price of £23m gel together instantly and they get off the mark as soon as the first whistle blows!

Missile hurler Rory Delap is rated doubtful with a calf injury and this is welcome news for a fragile defence.

Ricardo Fuller will return from his dislocation but only find room on the bench according to reports.

If any player has a point to prove against SAFC it will be the big T & T striker.

Hit and miss would sum up Kenwyne during his spell with Sunderland. One his day he is the best striker in England but more than often he is lazy, selfish and uninterested.

Let's all hope it is another miserable day for Jones on his return to the SoL.

In the four Premier League meetings between Stoke and Sunderland, no goals have been scored by the away team.

Stoke are on a run of three Premier League defeats in a row for the second time this season. They have lost four successive games in all competitions.

Manchester United are the only team to have won at the Stadium of Light in the Premier League since Boxing Day 2009.

Referee: Martin Atkinson Assistant referees: Andy Halliday & Peter Kirkup Fourth official: Rob Shoebridge

Sunderland 2 - 1 Stoke City We have to win this game! Simple. We have to restore pride amongst the angry fans, we have to show we can recover from big defeats and we also have to win due to our next two away games down London. Haway the lads! Let's show some form before the horrow show on Halloween

Very tricky tie against Bale, I mean Spurs on a Tuesday night.

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