Preview: Bristol City (H) - This is it; Today will be the day that Sunderland turn things around

This is it, our chance to build on a positive week and set the club back on the right course. It sounds like the stuff of fantasy, but today could be the cathartic moment we’ve been waiting for.

This week’s successful Fan Fest was a joy to behold, and possibly might have a positive effect on the players who have struggled for form lately.

This afternoon Bristol City travel to the Stadium of Light where they too will be looking for a victory in order to gain momentum in their search for promotion.

The game promises to be an engrossing affair as two teams with it all to play for look for precious points for very different reasons. Will Grayson’s men emerge victorious at home for the first time in close to a year?

Photo by Jordan Mansfield/Getty Images

Bristol currently find themselves sitting in 7th place - a mere 9 points away from surprising pace-setters, Sheffield United.

Lee Johnson’s men have given an excellent account of themselves thus far, with 5 wins, 6 draws and a mere 2 defeats thus far this campaign - exceeding many expectations forged at the beginning of the season.

That being said, many a Sunderland fan will tell you that expectations count for little when it comes down to results - something we’ve discovered the hard way.

Many suggested City would struggle without the likes of Tammy Abraham and Welsh wizard Adam Matthews (hur hur hur); however, Johnson’s side have proved to be an effective unit this season - a side more than capable of matching most outfits in the Champo.

A midweek demolition of Crystal Palace will have encouraged the Bristol players, and they will be eager to keep this run going in the league against our struggling side. Jamie Patterson has looked very good this season and will create chances for his fellow players.

Sunderland, on the other hand, simply have to defend better. In fact we have fallen behind in 10 of our 13 league games so far this campaign, with four draws and six losses in those games.

Photo by Harry Trump/Getty Images

As noted by Grayson, the side is close to full fitness - and the gaffer will soon have a full-strength squad to choose from, noting that:

I think most of the lads are available and... Tyias Browning will be the only one missing with his hamstring injury. It is a nice position to be in for a change.

Subsequently, Sunderland will look to start with a strong side capable of going at Bristol - and if our recent performances have anything to go by, we will certainly put on a show.

Likely Lineup:

Steele, Matthews, Kone, O’Shea, Oviedo, Ndong, Cattermole, McGeady, Watmore, Vaughan, Grabban.

Prediction:

I honestly think this is it - today will be the day we turn things around. That being said, Bristol will be no push overs and this will be a close game. I’m going for a 2-1 win with Mcgeady and Grabban bringing home the bacon. Ha’wayyyyy!