The excruciating season for Sunderland might finally come to an end this Saturday if the Black Cats fail to win or draw against an unpredictable Bournemouth side at the Stadium of Light. Sunderland have collected just 21 points from 33 games, and are six points behind Middlesbrough.
David Moyes’ men haven’t been in the competition since day one. Initially, injuries took the toll on them with as many as nine players being sidelined for the most part of the first half of the season. And when the transfer window came for the Scottish manager to add fresh faces to the injury-stricken side, the club announced its financial debacle.
It will be a miracle if Moyes manages to get them out of the relegation zone. Sunderland hardly had match-winners in their line-up this campaign, except for Jermain Defoe, who has been their saving grace on certain occasions.
Here are 3 players who will have to pull their socks up in this make or break game against Bournemouth.
Jermain Defoe- Honestly, we all know this is Defoe’s last season with Sunderland. If the English forward is eyeing the 2018 World Cup, which is an obvious expectation after returning to the national team in such a dramatic fashion, Sunderland is definitely not the answer. The 34-year-old has been in prolific form this season, scoring 14 goals so far and if Sunderland have any little chance of getting a positive result from this game, then this man has to perform.
Although he doesn’t retain the aggression and pace on the ball, which was his trademark in the Tottenham days, he has a brilliant sense of positioning and could provide the most exquisite finishes up front.
Adnan Januzaj- Another forward who is leaving the Stadium of Light. Adnan Januzaj hasn’t lived up to his expectation in Sunderland this campaign and injuries have played a huge role in it. Apart from some short flashes of urgency on that right flank, the Belgian youngster hasn’t drawn any cheers from the crowd.
He has been phenomenal under Louis Van Gaal and we all know what he is capable of. And this underwhelming season has already affected his reputation with his mother club, Manchester United, unwilling to have him next season. These few games are the only chances he has left and he has to perform.
Lamine Kone- As it turned out, Kone will not be Sunderland’s saviour this season after all. He had gained enormous traction last season with his solid displays at the back, and probably he will be picked up by some top club in the summer regardless of Sunderland’s position in the Premier League. And he would love to depart on a happy note surely.
There is no doubt in his abilities and his definitely capable of stopping Bournemouth.
