"Its Friday, Friday, We do previews on Friday" as one time internet sensation Rebecca Black never sung ever in her life, yes, you guessed it, it's our preview of tomorrow's game against Wolverhampton Wanderers.
Steve Bruce has targeted a top ten finish, and to finish above our unwashed neighbours to the North, however Wolves have their own ideas, as a win for former Sunderland manager, Mick McCarthy, will see his side stay in the Premier League for another season.
A game with plenty riding on it, especially for the away side, so both teams will be giving it their all. Time to take a closer look...
SAFC Team NewsSome late team news emerging today, is that Anton Ferdinand will miss the game having suffered an injury against Bolton Wanderers, and has failed to recover, which means another re-jig at the back, and bunch of kids on the bench.
Simon Mignolet will continue in nets ably backed up by Trevor Carson. In front of Simon, we're looking at Ahmed Elmohamady returning to right-back, Nedum Onuoha shifting inside to partner John Mensah, with Phil Bardsley unchanged at left-back. There's the option that Blair Adams could come in, but it seems unlikely with Bruce wanting to finish strongly.
With Elmo dropping back, that means a new face is needed in midfield. Cristian Riveros, the floor is yours to shows us why you should remain at the club. Expect to see Riveros line-up in the middle with Jack Colback and Bolo Zenden, whilst Steed Malbranque and Jordan Henderson patrol the wings. A shock in the line-up could see the highly touted Billy Knott come in at Riveros' expense, but I think Bruce will opt for the more high-profile, experienced name. Either way, it's gonna be nice to see one of them play.
Stephane Sessegnon will continue to lead the line alone, with back-up on the bench of Ryan Noble & Craig Lynch. Bruce feeling Noble isn't quite ready yet, but it wouldn't be a massive shock if he played a part in the game.
Sulley Muntari will not play any part at all, nor will he against West Ham next week, having returned to Inter Milan after his disappointing spell at the club.
Oh, we'll be wearing the new strip by the way, which is nice, as will many fans. In addition to this the players will be warming up wearing charity wristbands in support of the Sir Bobby Robson Foundation, so if you can, give them some money. A truly worthy cause.
Bruce's (and my own) Probable Team:
Mignolet; Onuoha, Mensah, Elmohamady, Bardsley; Colback, Zenden, Henderson, Malbranque, Riveros, Sessegnon
Wolves Team News
Well I guess I can talk about this a little more, but we're gonna focus on the key elements really.
It looks like Kevin Doyle will miss out, a big plus for us I think as he's a cracking striker, as he continues to sit out through injury. Also missing will be Ronald Zubar and David Edwards for the visitors.
Mick will most likely be selecting the same side which beat West Brom well the other day, meaning the pressure will be on Steven Fletcher to get the goals. Both goals he got against WBA were gifted to him, and we'll have to be mindful of that, as we're still prone to giving chances away like they're going out of fashion.
Other points of note and concern from my view of things are Michael Kightly and/or Matt Jarvis, who are both fine players, as well as Jamie O'Hara. A player I wouldn't mind at SAFC in the future who has a cracking shot on him.
All things considered the key will most definitely be to not give posession away cheaply, and not make any errors. I know we should do that anyway, but Wolves are a team who will be well up for this, and thrive on even the smallest mistake.
Prediction
I'm sticking with what I said on the podcast, and that's a 1-0 win for us. I expect a gutsy performance from Wolves, but hopefully 'home advantage' and the will to see us rise into the top ten, and send the majority of fans home in a good mood for the summer will over power. I hope anyway. As for goalscorer, Ahmed Elmohamady bumbling in a header in the first half. I can see it, I've pictured it, it's gonna happen (it's not gonna happen).
KTF.