Roker Report - Sunderland Vs Crystal Palace: As It HappenedSunderland AFC's foremost blog and Podcast!https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/community_logos/51357/rr-fav.png2014-03-17T08:51:02+00:00http://rokerreport.sbnation.com/rss/stream/52727952014-03-17T08:51:02+00:002014-03-17T08:51:02+00:00Quick Kicks: Sunderland 0-0 Crystal Palace
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<figcaption>Ian Horrocks</figcaption>
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<p>The most predictable 0-0 in the history of football materialised on Saturday. It doesn't make it any easier to accept. Here's what we make of it all. </p> <h4>What The Gaffer Said</h4>
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<p>We were the team who were going for the win from the first minute, we didn’t have a negative plan we just wanted to win the game. For a moment there was a feeling that a goal was coming, as it was all Sunderland, but then I’m not sure what happened – maybe tired legs – but the game became stretched and a lot more open. Overall, I can tell you that we tried our best. Crystal Palace came here and they made it very difficult for us. We were missing that bit of quality and I know we keep saying this, but if we keep working hard it will come.</p>
<p>We need to take the formula we used today and keep going, make it difficult for teams and take every game as it comes. You did think a goal was coming, that’s how it felt. There were one or two chances and it just didn’t happen. [Fabio] Borini was inches away. We showed everybody that we’re up for the fight and we care a lot for the football club.</p>
<p>The support was magnificent and the fans stuck with the players; it was a real help to them. We need to make sure we stick together whatever the result is; at the end of the day we are all in this together. After a result like we’ve had today, where we deserved to win but didn’t, we need to go into our next game and get something from there to make this point a good one.</p>
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<p>Indirect dig at the way Palace set up here, but I can't believe for one minute that Gus was the only person on the planet who didn't expect Pulis to set out for a draw primarily. I'm not also not sure that the fans are supposed to be particularly impressed that the players tried to win the game. But, I'm not about to start needlessly having a pop at the manager here, it's clear from these words that he's as frustrated as the rest of us.</p>
<h4>Lack Of Cutting Edge A Real Concern</h4>
<p>I'm not trying to be Captain Obvious here, but the lack of creativity is a real concern. It's frustrating that since Mr. Bruce replaced Henderson, Malbranque and Zenden with Gardner, Vaughan and Larsson, we're still at the point where we have very little creativity or quality from the middle of the park.</p>
<p>The employment of three central midfielders has solved some previous issues of being overran in the centre of the park, and the capture of Ki has probably kept us from a February relegation this year, but our lack of quality and defence opening capabilities are preventing us from beating some very ordinary teams. at The Stadium Of Light. We can play possession football 'til the cows come home but unless people start taking risks and find some end product to their game, then we'll pass our way down to The Championship. See Wigan.</p>
<h4>Borini The Main Man</h4>
<p>I, like you, am trying to get my head around the fact that Fabio Borini was relocated back to outer forward role for this game. The logical theory behind this would be that he'd be too isolated as a striker with these players behind him and that the fact he can get himself into scoring positions from out wide is an irreplaceable quality in a side this incompetent in attack.</p>
<p>The obvious flaw in that theory is that as none of our centre forwards seem capable enough to lead the line effectively enough, it seems crazy not to have our best striker spearhead the attack. Borini's goal at Wembley was clinical centre forward play - akin to a piece of Michael Owen's brilliant improvisation in his Liverpool prime. I find it increasingly hard to believe that Giacherrini or Scocco could be as ineffective on the left as Fletcher and Altidore are up front. The former's performance on Saturday was a disgrace.</p>
<p>An alternative to that would be a shift in formation, perhaps more similar to the one adopted at Wembley with Colback on the left, possibly covering for Craig Gardner to replicate that advanced role he played against Southampton in the cup. He played well and scored on that occasion, as he frequently did in a similar role for Birmingham. Am I seriously making a case for Craig Gardner here? Desperate times/measures etc. Don't bite my head off, I'm just floating ideas around.</p>
<h4>Try Not To Panic Just Yet</h4>
<p>As mentioned previously, a goalless draw was what around 90% of people I know predicted for Saturday. The result, and fact we failed to break a defensive team down, should't really surprise anyone and it hasn't exposed anything new to us. The West Brom result was a real kick in the nuts, but it's proof that unexpected wins happen and there'll be many "twists and turns" before the season ends.</p>
<p>In theory, IN THEORY, Norwich away is the ideal game us. They will be expected to dictate and attack and will leave gaps as a result. The wins at Fulham and Newcastle showed us that we can cope with this scenario wholly better than the one we faced on Saturday.</p>
<p>I also harbour some hope that both Cardiff and West Brom will head to Wearside with the intentions of winning the game, rather than placing ten men behind the ball. How does that saying go? It's the hope I can't stand...<span> </span></p>
https://rokerreport.sbnation.com/2014/3/17/5515784/quick-kicks-thoughts-reaction-to-sunderland-0-0-crystal-palaceGoldylad2014-03-15T18:19:40+00:002014-03-15T18:19:40+00:00Sunderland Vs Crystal Palace: Player Ratings
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<figcaption>Ian Horrocks</figcaption>
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<p>We give our views on how we felt the Sunderland players did today, and for some reason you lot take it a bit personally.</p> <h4>Vito Mannone - 6</h4>
<p>Solid enough with precious little to do.</p>
<h4>Phil Bardsley - 6</h4>
<p>Typically combative and rarely tested defensively. Could he have contributed more going forward? Probably, but it's not really his game so tough to criticise him for suddenly not being Dani Alves.</p>
<h4>John O'Shea - 6</h4>
<p>Yeah, defended well. A totally different player with Wes Brown beside him.</p>
<h4>Wes Brown - 6</h4>
<p>Just typical Wes Brown really. Never looked stretched.</p>
<h4>Marcos Alonso - 7</h4>
<p>The best of the back four and one of the better performers on the park. Offered a consistent presence in the final third and tackled much better than he usually does.</p>
<h4>Liam Bridcutt - 6<br>
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<p>What a deceptive little player. Quite short, but wins headers. Looks slight but he can time a tackle or interception splendidly. Certainly have no complaints with his performance.</p>
<h4>Ki Sung-Yeung - 6</h4>
<p>Saw loads of the ball but struggled to do an awful lot with it, though much of that was due to the depth and numbers with which Palace defended.</p>
<h4>Seb Larsson - 4</h4>
<p>A very Sebby performance I thought. Kind of there and noticeable without ever doing anything worthy of note, merit or derision. Pretty much Seb to the nth degree. Sebalicious. Sebtastic. A veritable Seb bevvy for Sub-thusiasts. So quite annoying, really.</p>
<h4>Adam Johnson - 7</h4>
<p>I was surprised when he was substituted as he looked the best bet to unlock the Palace defence. It was nice to see us getting some third-man running around him when he had the ball. That's how you make the most of his ability to attract defenders to him.</p>
<h4>Steven Fletcher - 2</h4>
<p>I couldn't work out if he was trying to hard or really couldn't give a toss. Whichever it was, he was bloody atrocious.</p>
<h4>Fabio Borini - 7</h4>
<p>Again the real goal threat and desperately unlucky to not grab a massive late goal. Just get him through the middle now please. We've tried the other thing enough.</p>
<h4>Jozy Altidore - 6</h4>
<p>Did quite well when he came on. Offered far more than Fletcher and made a nice chance for himself which forced a good save. More of a nuisance than a beacon of quality though.</p>
<h4>Craig Gardner - 4</h4>
<p>If it wasn't for the stupid fouls, I'd probably not have noticed he was on.</p>
<h4>Nacho Scocco - 5</h4>
<p>Didn't really have the chance to do much.</p>
<h4>Man Of The Match: Fabio Borini<br>
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<p>If there was someone who was going to score here, it was going to be Borini. He can count himself unfortunate that he is not the hero tonight. It is time to entrust our survival to the Italian and play him through the middle, because no one else looks capable of scoring enough to ensure it.</p>
<p><i>More reaction coming in the next few days, check out our stream of information and reportage <a target="_blank" href="http://rokerreport.sbnation.com/2014/3/14/5508754/sunderland-vs-crystal-palace-live-coverage-match-report-epl-2014">HERE!</a></i></p>
https://rokerreport.sbnation.com/2014/3/15/5508894/sunderland-vs-crystal-palace-player-ratingsmichaelgraham2014-03-15T17:45:15+00:002014-03-15T17:45:15+00:00Match Report: Sunderland 0-0 Crystal Palace
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<figcaption>Ian Horrocks</figcaption>
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<p>Sunderland dominated most of the game but could only secure a point in a scrappy affair with fellow strugglers Crystal Palace.</p> <p>Sunderland came into this knowing they needed to win the home games against fellow strugglers but were frustrated by a Crystal Palace side who kept 11 men behind the ball for most of the game and were content to make it a scrappy game.</p>
<p>Gus Poyet made seven changes from the team who started at Hull City, with Vito Mannone, Marcos Alonso, Wes Brown, Liam Bridcutt, Ki Sung-Yueng, Adam Johnson and Fabio Borini returning to the side and those changes appeared to be for the better as Sunderland started much the better of the two sides, with Palace pushed back and the home side looking to keep up a quick tempo.</p>
<p>As Sunderland attacked down the wings, both visiting full backs, Adrian Mariappa and Joel Ward, were booked early on after struggling to contain the home sides attacks but despite both walking a tightrope, the home side couldn't take advantage and neither looked likely of picking up a second booking.</p>
<p>As the half went on, Sunderland struggled to keep the early tempo up and despite continuing to control the game couldn't find a way of testing Julian Speroni, with Crystal Palace and the referee helping to break up play with continual fouls and soft free-kicks, usually committed by Mile Jedinak, it quickly appeared as if it was going to be a huge struggle to break down the away side.</p>
<p>So it proved, with only occasional half-chances in the first half to show for our 70% possession. Steven Fletcher tried to back-heel a Borini shot-cum-cross but barely made contact and it was quickly cleared, then Ki hit a volley first time from the edge of the box after a headed clearance but flew comfortably wide of Speroni's left hand post. Borini came closest to scoring in the first half but his scissor-kick after a poor Tom Ince clearance flew just wide.</p>
<p>The home side did have a scare when Mannone slipped when he attempted a clearance but he quickly recovered to save Ince's shot but, that aside, Palace barely crossed the half-way line in the first half.</p>
<p>Jozy Altidore came on at the break after Fletcher picked up a knock late in the first half and Sunderland tested Speroni within a minute of the restart when Borini's header from a Johnson cross but despite the visiting goalkeeper making a good save, the assistant referee's flag was up for offside, which was the correct call.</p>
<p>Wes Brown played a few good balls over the top of Palace defence during the match, usually to Alonso, but in the 50th minute an exquisite ball over the top found Altidore, who had a poor first touch when well placed to score but he recovered enough to get a shot off that Speroni did well to save.</p>
<p>The home side came close to breaking the deadlock twice in the space of a minute with less than 10 minutes left on the clock, with both chances falling to Borini. First the Italian striker smashed a shot against the crossbar and when Sunderland recovered the ball, he held off a defender on the edge of the box and fired a shot narrowly over the bar with Speroni beaten.</p>
<p>As the game entered the final stages, Sunderland got increasingly scrappy and stretched and allowed Palace a few chances. First substitute Adlene Guedioura fired wide from a free-kick after Brown gave away a silly foul on the edge of the box and then Kagisho Dikgacoi really should have won it for Pulis' side but he could only fire wide after finding space on the corner of the Sunderland six-yard box.</p>
<p>Despite five minutes of stoppage time being added, we could find no way through the visiting defence and had to settle for a point. Whether one point will be enough come the end of the season remains to be seen but whatever happens, this will be seen as a hugely disappointing game and two vital points dropped.</p>
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https://rokerreport.sbnation.com/2014/3/15/5512100/match-report-sunderland-0-0-crystal-palace-cats-frustrated-by-eaglesAndy Tomlinson2014-03-15T14:14:14+00:002014-03-15T14:14:14+00:00Sunderland Vs Crystal Palace: Confirmed Lineups
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<figcaption>Nigel Roddis</figcaption>
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<p>The teams are in for today's crunch clash with Crystal Palace.</p> <p>Gus Poyet has unsurprisingly rang the changes after last weekend's defeat down at Hull. Regulars Ki Sung-Yueng, Adam Johnson, Fabio Borini, Marcos Alonso, Wes Brown and Vito Mannone all return to the starting eleven. Another who returns to the first team is Liam Bridcutt, who didn't appear against Hull and was of course ineligible for the League Cup final. He replaces Lee Cattermole at the base of Sunderland's midfield, with the Teesider dropped to the bench after his mistakes against Hull. This sees Seb Larsson retain his place in the midfield three.</p>
<p>Surprisingly although Poyet does restore Fabio Borini to the starting eleven, he opts not to play him as a central striker but instead deploys him from the left wing with Steven Fletcher somehow retaining a place in the team despite his poor performance down on Humberside. Adam Johnson, as expected, goes back out onto the right wing.</p>
<p>In defence Wes Brown and Marcos Alonso earn immediate recalls, as does Vito Mannone in goal. It's clear that Gus knows what his best defence is now, so hopefully we can see these five start every game until the end of the season. We're going to need them all.</p>
<p>On the bench there are reported sightings of the lesser spotted Jozy Altidore, who hasn't been seen since being subbed off at half time against Arsenal. Craig Gardner also shakes off a knock to appear amongst the subs.</p>
<p><b>Sunderland (4-3-3):</b> Vito Mannone; Phil Bardsley, John O'Shea, Wes Brown, Marcos Alonso; Liam Bridcutt, Ki Sung-Yueng, Seb Larsson; Adam Johnson, Steven Fletcher, Fabio Borini.</p>
<p><b>Substitutes:</b> Oscar Ustari, Santiago Vergini, Craig Gardner, Jack Colback, Lee Cattermole, Jozy Altidore, Nacho Scocco.</p>
<p>Meanwhile headwear enthusiast Tony Pulis has opted to give starts to bring back England U-21 star Tom Ince, and continues with their goal-scoring hero in the Championship last year Glen Murray. January signings of Scott Dann, Joe Ledley and Tom Ince all feature.</p>
<p><b>Crystal Palace (4-5-1):</b> Julian Speroni; Adrian Mariappa, Scott Dann, Damien Delaney, Joel Ward; Yannick Bolasie, Kagisho Digkacoi, Mile Jedinak, Joe Ledley, Tom Ince; Glen Murray</p>
<p><b>Substitutes:</b> Wayne Hennessey, Paddy McCarthy, Adlene Guedioura, Jason Puncheon, Jerome Thomas, Dwight Gayle, Cameron Jerome</p>
<p><i>Follow all the action with us live on Twitter <a href="http://www.twitter.com/rokerreport/" target="_blank">@RokerReport</a>, and click back to our match stream for reports and ratings later on, <a href="http://rokerreport.sbnation.com/2014/3/14/5508754/sunderland-vs-crystal-palace-live-coverage-match-report-epl-2014" target="_blank">HERE</a>.</i></p>
https://rokerreport.sbnation.com/2014/3/15/5508868/sunderland-vs-crystal-palace-confirmed-lineupsNick Holden2014-03-14T15:00:03+00:002014-03-14T15:00:03+00:00Preview: Home Cup Final Against Crystal Palace
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<figcaption>Chris Brunskill</figcaption>
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<p>Everything you need to know ahead of tomorrow's vital six-pointer at home against Crystal Palace.</p> <h3>Sunderland Team News</h3>
<p>After missing the disappointing FA Cup quarter-final defeat at Hull City due to a combination of injury and illness, Wes Brown, Craig Gardner, Jozy Altidore and Valentin Roberge will all return to the squad, although only Brown is likely to start.</p>
<p>Elsewhere, Fabio Borini should return to the central striker role he had success with in the Capital One Cup final against Manchester City, which may leave room for Emanuele Giaccherini on the left. Adam Johnson, Ki Sung-Yueng, Vito Mannone and Marcos Alonso should return to the starting line-up after being rested in the cup defeat.</p>
<p>Despite Gus Poyet leaping to the defence of Lee Cattermole after his horror show against Hull, expect Liam Bridcutt to return to the starting line-up.</p>
<h3>Crystal Palace Team News</h3>
<p>Marouane Chamakh is the only absentee for Palace, the Moroccan striker picked up a hamstring injury during the Eagles' away draw at Swansea and will be out for a good few weeks.</p>
<p>Tom Ince was left out of the starting line-up for their home defeat by Southampton but he may return to the side for tomorrow's game. Other than that not many changes are expected from the that Southampton defeat.</p>
<h3>Predicted Line-ups</h3>
<p><a title="Click to view tactic" href="http://sharemytactics.com/7844/"><img alt="Sunderland vs Crystal Palace - Premier League - 15th March 2014 - Football tactics and formations" src="http://sharemytactics.com/7844/Sunderland-Crystal-Palace-formation-tactics.png"></a> <br id="1394729838953"></p>
<p><b>Sunderland (4-1-4-1): </b>Mannone; Bardsley, O'Shea, Brown, Alonso; Bridcutt; Johnson, Ki, Colback, Giaccherini; Borini.</p>
<p><b>Crystal Palace (4-4-1-1): </b>Speroni; Ward, Dann, Delaney, Moxey; Puncheon, Jedinak, Ledley, Bolasie; Ince; Murray.</p>
<h3>Key Match-up: Liam Bridcutt Vs Tom Ince</h3>
<p>With Tony Pulis going for his customary 4-4-1-1 formation, it will be vital that the deep-lying striker is prevented from linking up with the main striker. Tom Ince can cause lots of problems if he isn't watched closely, the attacking midfielder has plenty of pace, tricks and an eye for goal.</p>
<p>The job of shackling the England under-21 international is likely to be handed to Bridcutt, who will know Ince from his time in the Championship and will be fresh after being ineligible for the Cup Final and rested for the Brighton game. Should Bridcutt come out on top in this battle, Sunderland will have gone a long way to keeping Palace quiet.</p>
<h3>Recent Form: WLWLDL</h3>
<p>Win: Crystal Palace 1-0 Hull City (Puncheon 16')</p>
<p>Loss: Arsenal 2-0 Crystal Palace (Oxlade-Chamberlain 47', 74')</p>
<p>Win: Crystal Palace 3-1 West Bromwich Albion (Ince 15', Ledley 27', Chamakh (pen) 69'; Bifouma Koulossa 46')</p>
<p>Loss: Crystal Palace 0-2 Manchester United (Van Persie (pen) 62, Rooney 68')</p>
<p>Draw: Swansea City 1-1 Crystal Palace (De Guzman 25'; Murray (pen) 82')</p>
<p>Loss: Crystal Palace 0-1 Southampton (Rodriguez 37')</p>
<h3>Last Time Around: Sunderland 0-0 Crystal Palace, 30/01/2007</h3>
<p>Sunderland came into this game riding high in the Championship and full of confidence, that led to the away side coming to the Stadium of Light for a point and putting 10-men behind the ball. A tactic that paid off as the Roy Keane's team just couldn't break down the visitor's resolute defence.</p>
<p>Sunderland had plenty of shots on goal but very few troubled the goalkeeper and when they did Gabor Kiraly was equal to them. Crystal Palace did test Darren Ward once from a rare breakaway but he comfortably saved Stuart Green's shot.</p>
<p>A disappointing 0-0 draw was the end result, with Peter Taylor's team coming away with the point they wanted.</p>
<h3>The Ref: Neil Swarbrick</h3>
<p>This will be the fourth Sunderland game of the season for Swarbrick, with the previous games being Fulham (h), Aston Villa (a) and Carlisle (h).</p>
<p>In those three games he has only shown one yellow card to a Sunderland player, against Phil Bardsley at Villa, and has shown no red cards and given no penalties. In his entire career he has has failed to send anyone off or given a penalty in a Sunderland game and only booked 15 of our players in 12 games (as opposed to 19 for the opponents).</p>
<p>In the 24 games he has taken charge of this season, he has issued 73 yellow cards and only one red.</p>
<h3><span>What They Said</span></h3>
<p><b>Gus Poyet</b></p>
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<p><b></b>We have been waiting for this; we've been desperate to play.</p>
<p>I hope that the occasion is massive - I can see and feel in the city that everyone feels the same.</p>
<p>It's probably the most important game. I know that finals are very important, but the aim from the first second was to stay in the Barclays Premier League.</p>
<p>We have 12 games to go now, starting with this one, which is a massive game.</p>
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<p><b></b></p>
<p><b>Tony Pulis</b></p>
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<p>Every game I go into, I try to win. I'm more concerned about us putting in a performance and trying to do the best we can do.</p>
<p>Whatever Sunderland need to do, they need to do. We just want to make sure we're on the ball and we do our best.</p>
<p>I've won there, drawn there and lost there. It's a ground I've been to and got results. It's a fabulous stadium with a fantastic atmosphere.</p>
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<p><b></b></p>
<p><b> </b></p>
<h3 style="font-weight: bold;"><b>Roker Report Predicts</b></h3>
<p><b> </b></p>
<p> </p>
<p>Since Poyet took over Sunderland, the rare poor performances have been quickly followed by improved showings, this needs to be the case tomorrow. In what is a vital six-pointer, we simply cannot afford another showing like the FA Cup quarter-final against Hull.</p>
<p>We expect a tight, nervy affair, with the home side just about edging it 2-1 thanks to an in-form Borini making the most of his new found central striker role.</p>
https://rokerreport.sbnation.com/2014/3/14/5504904/preview-home-cup-final-against-crystal-palaceAndy Tomlinson2014-03-14T12:00:03+00:002014-03-14T12:00:03+00:00ALS Issue 228 Out Now, Here's A Sneak Peek...
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<p>A brand new issue of A Love Supreme is out now, and here's what's inside.</p> <p>A brand new issue of the always awe-inspiring A Love Supreme is available right now from all good stockists, and some terrible ones too.</p>
<p>In this award-winning fanzine this month you'll find tonnes of great stuff about the Capital One Cup Final. There's also a catch up with Sunderland's lucky mascot, the incredible George Johnson. Plus there's an interview with Nyron Nosworthy, our own column and much more.</p>
<p>There's also a chat with Chris Marshall about his "Full Curtain Jacket" which you're sure to have seen at Wembley the other week...</p>
<blockquote>
<p>Like many, I am sure; I am a bit of a Sunderland hoarder. It just seems wrong to throw any memorabilia away and I knew that even though my Sunderland supporting son has now left home I still had his old Sunderland curtains tucked away in a box in the garage. The perfect basis for an extra special Wembley outfit.</p>
</blockquote>
<p>You can pick up a copy from around the ground tomorrow for just £2.50, or from the shop next to the Stadium Of Light. It's also in any newsagents worth it's salt and available online <a href="http://www.alsshop.co.uk/" target="_blank">HERE</a>. In fact, just subscribe <a href="http://www.alsshop.co.uk/" target="_blank">HERE</a>. It's so much easier, and you can read it on your phone/tablet!</p>
<p>Be sure to check out the coaches available to all the forthcoming away games <a href="http://www.alsshop.co.uk/" target="_blank">HERE</a>, and as always for more info visit the <a href="http://a-love-supreme.com/" target="_blank">ALS Website</a>.</p>
https://rokerreport.sbnation.com/2014/3/14/5503720/a-love-supreme-issue-228-out-now-heres-a-sneak-peekSimonWalsh2014-03-14T10:00:01+00:002014-03-14T10:00:01+00:00Wise Men Say Podcast: Holden Out For A Hero
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<figcaption>Matthew Lewis</figcaption>
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<p>Within a week, SAFC have gone from heroes to villains. Why not download or stream the latest Wise Men Say podcast to find out what they think about it all? Might as well, hew. </p> <p>Meltdown. Meltdown. Meltdown. I don't care how cliched that word is, or whether you judge it as some sort of unimaginative and overused piece of modern lingo, there was a meltdown amongst the Sunderland supporting community after our defeat to Hull.</p>
<p>I'll point out pretty hastily that I'm only speaking on behalf of 50% of the WMS podcast here, mind you. Conflicting opinions between myself and Gareth Barker are relatively rare, but they were regarding team selections in the wake of us being mauled by the tigers on Sunday evening and that's why I was looking forward to this particular podcast all week. Every defeat has a silver lining, I suppose.</p>
<p>As it happens, we didn't clash too much or engage in any sort of unnecessary confrontation. As logical people (kind of) I guess that rationality based on reflection was always likely to prevail. Maybe we should get on the blower to Adrian Durham et al at Talksport to see how you can effectively shout and disagree for the hell of it; all in the misunderstanding that it's somehow entertaining.</p>
<p>Luke Ball last came on the show not long after his Dad's most recent spell as caretaker manager, something that dictated a lot of the content and questioning at that time. Luckily for him, and you, we afforded him the freedom of speaking about other current affairs at SAFC on this occasion. Let's see what he thinks about meltdowns.</p>
<p>Also, our very own Nick Holden joined us on the phone, armed with his pronounced Somerset accent and silky Southern sophistication. Another one off the RR list. David Boyle will make it one day, I'm sure of it.</p>
<p>Jim Daly from the Five Year Plan fanzine/blog/podcast was our Crystal Palace contact this week. Come to think of it, he had Gareth guest on theirs in the corresponding fixture. No request this time, I believe. Cheeky mare.</p>
<p>Reet, get listening on iTunes (<a href="https://itunes.apple.com/gb/podcast/wise-men-say-salut!-sunderland/id647571817" target="_blank">HERE</a>) or just used the SoundCloud Player below to listen...</p>
<p><iframe src="https://w.soundcloud.com/player/?url=https%3A//api.soundcloud.com/tracks/139419357&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&visual=true" frameborder="no" scrolling="no" height="450" width="100%"></iframe></p>
https://rokerreport.sbnation.com/2014/3/14/5506420/wise-men-say-podcast-episode-29-holden-out-for-some-heroesGoldylad2014-03-13T15:00:02+00:002014-03-13T15:00:02+00:00Roker Riches: Bets And Tips For Palace Clash
<figure>
<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/H-f5VT3f1p2BSXzZHldlgHgU6Xk=/0x0:3415x2277/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/29907113/474214463.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Mike Hewitt</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>Sunderland take on Crystal Palace this week in a massive, massive game that will reverberate all around Sunderland and whichever part of London Crystal Palace are based. Here's where we're placing our bets (expect lots of low-scoring picks).</p> <table border="0" align="center" style="text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr>
<td style="text-align: center;"><b>Pundit</b></td>
<td style="text-align: center;"><b>Last Week's Profit/Loss</b></td>
<td style="text-align: center;"><b>Current Balance</b></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="text-align: center;">Stephen Goldsmith</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">N/A</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">£69.00</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="text-align: center;">Luke Bowley</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">-£13.00</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">£66.66</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="text-align: center;">Simon Walsh</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">-£4.00</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">£65.00</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="text-align: center;">Dave Boyle</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">N/A</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">£25.00</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="text-align: center;">Nick Holden</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">N/A</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">£7.62</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="text-align: center;">Karl Jones</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">N/A</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">£0</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="text-align: center;">Craig Clark</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">-£7.00</td>
<td style="text-align: center;">-£6.70</td>
</tr>
</tbody></table>
<p> </p>
<p>All those that placed bets last week did pretty terribly. So terribly in fact that Stephen Goldsmith now has the lead by virtue of not putting any one, the sly, tactical bastard. His trust in his opponents lack of footballing knowledge is admirable; the lad has done his research. Anyway, onto this weeks betting:</p>
<h4>Simon Walsh</h4>
<p>Seems this week is crunch on the pitch and for my bank balance, and to be honest I'm worried about both in equal measure.</p>
<p>In our game against Crystal Palace I can see it going in every direction, which leads me to no real answers on what I think will happen in regards to wins and losses. I'm just going to go for over 2.5 goals in the game and leave it at that.</p>
<p>Elsewhere I'm going for a treble on the big boys -- Arsenal, Chelsea and Liverpool.</p>
<ul>
<li><span>Sunderland vs Crystal Palace, Over 2.5 Goals - 27/20 - £5 Stake</span></li>
<li><span>Arsenal, Chelsea and Liverpool all to win - 10/1 - £2 Stake</span></li>
</ul>
<h4>David Boyle</h4>
<p>In stark contrast to Simon's pick I can't see there being many goals on Saturday afternoon but can just about see Sunderland overcoming Crystal Palace. With that said, Sunderland to win and under 2.5 goals in the game looks to be a decent shout at around 3/1.</p>
<p>Elsewhere Swansea are available at evens to beat West Brom at home which is too tempting a price to miss in my opinion.</p>
<ul>
<li><span>Sunderland to win and under 2.5 goals in the game - 3/1 - £5 Stake</span></li>
<li><span>Swansea to beat West Brom - evens - £5 Stake</span></li>
</ul>
<h4>Luke Bowley</h4>
<p>Like Dave, I really can't see there being many goals in this one. Palace under Tony Pulis are solid at the back, and we aren't exactly fluid in attack and full of scoring chances. I hope I'm wrong, but it's very very likely this will be one of the most miserable games of the season. Tight, nervy and probably decided by one goal either way. It'll be awful, and anyone looking forward to it has some kind of serious, disturbing, sexual perversion.</p>
<p>Elsewhere, Real Betis are bottom of the Spanish League, are apparently crap, and travel to Elche this weekend, who are well priced.</p>
<ul>
<li><span>Sunderland Vs Crystal Palace: Under 1.5 goals - 2/1 - £3 stake</span></li>
<li><span>Elche to beat Real Betis - 11/8 - £10 stake</span></li>
</ul>
https://rokerreport.sbnation.com/2014/3/13/5499784/roker-riches-betting-crystal-palace-sunderland-afcLuke Bowley