Roker Report - Leicester City 0-0 Sunderland: As It HappenedSunderland AFC's foremost blog and Podcast!https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/community_logos/51357/rr-fav.png2014-11-23T12:56:26+00:00http://rokerreport.sbnation.com/rss/stream/70311702014-11-23T12:56:26+00:002014-11-23T12:56:26+00:00Clean Sheet Key For Poyet
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<p>Gus Poyet believes Sunderland once more offer a stern test to any team they come up against, having seemingly fully recovered from the thrashing at Southampton earlier in the campaign.</p> <p><span><a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://rokerreport.sbnation.com/">Sunderland</a> claimed a point at <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://fosseposse.sbnation.com/">Leicester City</a> on Saturday afternoon and could well have come away with all three had they managed to beat inspired Foxes 'keeper <span>Kasper Schmeichel</span>.</span></p>
<p><span><span>Steven Fletcher</span> was denied on a couple of occasions, while <span>Adam Johnson</span> also tested the former <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://bitterandblue.sbnation.com/">Manchester City</a> and Notts County star from distance.</span></p>
<p><span>However, Leicester were also a threat when breaking at pace on a number of occasions and the Black Cats' defence held firm mainly thanks to strong displays from captain <span>John O'Shea</span>, French full-back Anthony Reveillere and giant Romanian goalkeeper <span>Costel Pantilimon</span>.</span></p>
<p><span>Manager Poyet was pleased with the hard-earned clean sheet ensuring a share of the spoils and feels his side have regained the defensive solidity they began the season with, despite that horrible wobble at St. Mary's:</span></p>
<blockquote>
<p><span><i>"The clean sheet was the best part of the game for us.</i></span></p>
<p><span><i>"We used to say we were a difficult team to play against until that [<a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://stmarysmusings.sbnation.com/">Southampton</a>] game a few weeks ago, now we are back to that.</i></span></p>
<p><span><i>"I needed to think about what happened there and get back to basics.</i></span></p>
<p><span><i>"That day was terrible; we collapsed. It was something unique.</i></span></p>
<p><span><i>"It created doubts in the players’ minds, and you have to be careful.</i></span></p>
<p><span><i>"Then we made two massive mistakes in the next game, and we had to recover from that.</i></span></p>
<p><span><i>"We have now played Palace away and Leicester away, and we conceded only one goal in those two games so I think we are back to normal.</i></span></p>
<p><span><i>"We play <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://weaintgotnohistory.sbnation.com/">Chelsea</a>, Man City and <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://liverpooloffside.sbnation.com/">Liverpool</a> next, though, so after that I will let you know for sure!</i></span></p>
<p><span><i>"We had to make sure we didn’t give the opposition many chances, which is important in football, and then try to play our game.</i></span></p>
<p><span><i>"We'll play worse and win games, so today we need to be pleased with the performance and the clean sheet and the point."</i></span></p>
</blockquote>
<p>With a very tough schedule in prospect, Poyet will be praying that his defence continues to hold firm when facing some of the most potent strikers in the game over the next few weeks.</p>
<p><span>At the very least, he can be comforted by the steady improvement shown at the back - one lapse of concentration by <span>Wes Brown</span> in the first half yesterday apart - and can have a certain level of confidence heading into the hectic Christmas period.</span></p>
https://rokerreport.sbnation.com/2014/11/23/7270541/clean-sheet-key-for-poyetDavid Lee Wheatley2014-11-22T17:26:23+00:002014-11-22T17:26:23+00:00Leicester City 0-0 Sunderland: Player Ratings
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<p>Stalemate at the King Power Stadium, here’s how the lads played</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b><span><span>Costel Pantilimon</span> – 7<p></p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span>Did everything right, no dramas and commanded his box well. He had another defensive howler to deal with again which he did superbly.<p></p></span></p>
<p style="line-height: 150%;" class="MsoNormal"><b><span> </span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span><span>Santiago Vergini</span> – 6<p></p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span>Santi looked a bit suspect in defence as he never seems to look confident playing against a real fast winger and Schlupp got in behind him in the first half which we were lucky to get away with. He got forward more today though, so he was solid overall <p></p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span> </span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span>Anthony Reveillere- 7<p></p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span>Anthony had a decent game, he did everything right and he looks like a really tidy replacement at full back.<p></p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span> </span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span>John O’Shea – 7<p></p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span>O’Shea marshalled the defence well again this week as Leicester didn’t have as many clear cut chances as they would’ve liked.<p></p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span> </span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span><span>Wes Brown</span> – 5<p></p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span>Wes had another calamitous error in the first half which nearly cost a goal and these mistakes are now beginning to be a regular occurrence which is worrying, apart from that he looked ok.<p></p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span> </span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span><span>Lee Cattermole</span> – 7<p></p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span>Lee was industrious as ever, putting himself about and dominating the midfield away from home. Lee spread the ball around and kept possession ticking over, overall good performance.<p></p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span>Jordi Gomez – 6<p></p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span>Jordi looked slow on the ball and lacked a bit of cutting edge going forward. He had an opportunity midway through the second half which he scuffed when he should’ve at least hit the target<p></p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span>Seb Larrson – 6<p></p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span>Seb’s set piece deliveries were not up to scratch today and when you play away from home they are important. Overall just a normal game from Seb, nothing too special.<p></p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span> </span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span><span>Adam Johnson</span> – 6<p></p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span>Adam didn’t do a lot with the ball, he never really took anyone on and a few crosses were blocked. He had one long range effort which Schmeichel saved well but apart from that it was a bit pedestrian.<p></p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span> </span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span><span>Connor Wickham</span> -7<p></p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span>Connor looked fresher today and seemed like he wanted to put a shift in which he did. He did a lot of running and had a couple of efforts which were saved.<p></p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span> </span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span><span>Steven Fletcher</span> – 7<p></p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span>Fletcher looked good again today, his hold up play was good and you can see his confidence is high, but unfortunately he couldn’t find a way past Schmeichel.<p></p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span><span>Liam Bridcutt</span> – 6<p></p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span>Liam came on for Larsson and he did the same job as Seb, nothing special but kept possession well.<p></p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span>Will Buckley – 6<p></p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span>Will wasn’t really given a lot of time to make a real impact <p></p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span>Man Of The Match: Steven Fletcher<p></p></span></b></p>
<p> </p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span>Hard to really pick a man of the match for a 0-0 but after his knock against the Republic of Ireland Steven came back fresh and looked good up front. He should’ve scored in the first half after being one–on-one but at least a striker wearing red and white was actually in that position.<b></b><p></p></span></p>
https://rokerreport.sbnation.com/2014/11/22/7267831/leicester-city-0-0-sunderland-player-ratingsDavid McColgan2014-11-22T17:00:12+00:002014-11-22T17:00:12+00:00Leicester City 0-0 SAFC: Spoils Are Shared Again
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<p>Sunderland and Leicester played out a frantic stalemate at the King Power Stadium with Sunderland creating the better chances but unable to find a way through.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span><a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://rokerreport.sbnation.com/">Sunderland</a> and Leicester had to settle for a point with neither side able to find a way through either defences.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span>Leicester started the game brightly as you’d expect from the home side needing points, and it was the Foxes who had the first chance of the game through Wesilewski but his header flew wide from the corner.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span>Sunderland fans had their heart in their mouths on 6 mins after <span>Wes Brown</span> let a back pass roll under his foot allowing Vardy in on goal but Pantilimon raced off his line to beat Vardy to the ball.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span>Leicester were having the better of the opening exchanges as Mahrez had an effort saved by Pantilimon and Schlupp got in behind Vergini but he shot straight into the side netting.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span>The best chance of the half fell to Sunderland on 23 mins. A neat passing move from the left side saw the ball fed into Johnson and his flick sent Fletcher through on goal but he shot straight at Schmeichel as the goalkeeper was advancing.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span>Sunderland were in the ascendency now and on 30 mins they saw another chance go bye after Schmeichel saved well down to the right from a long range Johnson shot after the Black Cats took a short free kick.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span>From the resulting corner Wickham flicked the ball on at the front post but neither Fletcher nor Wes Brown could latch onto it at the back post as the ball flashed across goal.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span>Shortly after, Cattermole played a raking ball down the channel for Fletcher who squared the ball first time for Larsson whose goal bound shot was blocked by Morgan.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span>The half came to a close with Sunderland dominating possession and creating the better chances but they were unable to find a way past Schmeichel.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span>Sunderland started the second half well and they forced a corner which was well worked as Fletcher escaped his marker only for him to sky his effort on goal.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span>Leicester responded through <span>Matty James</span> as the Sunderland defence were scrambling but Pantilimon stood up well and made the save.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span>A counter attack from Leicester on 54 mins created another chance for Mahrez. His low shot was saved after he weaved his way past Brown but his near post shot was easily saved.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span>At the other end Sunderland countered as the game was getting stretched and it was <span>Connor Wickham</span> who went on his own instead of using Fletcher but his shot was straight at Schmeichel.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span>Leicester had their best chance of the game on 65 mins. A neat one - two between Matty James and Ulloa opened up the Sunderland defence but James’ tame effort was straight at Pantilimon.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span>Spaces were being found now and it was Sunderland who created the next chance on 68 mins. <span>Steven Fletcher</span> received the ball down the channel and his surging run resulted in a speculative shot which was saved by Schmeichel.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span>The game turned scrappy as the substitutions were introduced but Sunderland still remained the more likely to win the game as they dominated possession and the share of dangerous set – pieces, but they couldn’t penetrate the Leicester defence.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"> </p>
<p class="MsoNormal"> </p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span><a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://fosseposse.sbnation.com/">Leicester City</a> </span></b><b><span>(4-4-2)</span></b><b><span>:</span></b><span> Schmeichel, De Laet, Morgan (c), Wasilewski, Konchesky, Schlupp (Knockaert 79’), Cambiasso, James, Mahrez, Vardy (Nugent 72’), Ulloa (Wood 87’).</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span>Subs:</span></b><span> Hamer, Drinkwater, King, Moore, Knockaert, Nugent, Wood.</span></p>
<p> </p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><i><span>Goals: None</span></i></p>
<p> </p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span>Sunderland </span></b><b><span>(4-3-3)</span></b><b><span>:</span></b><span> Pantilimon, Vergini, Reveillere, Brown, O'Shea (c), Cattermole, Larsson (Bridcutt 75’), Gomez (Buckley 85’), Johnson, Wickham, Fletcher.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span>Subs:</span></b><span> Mannone, Robson, Coates, Bridcutt, Rodwell, Buckley, Altidore</span></p>
<p> </p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><i><span>Goals: None</span></i></p>
<p><i><br></i></p>
https://rokerreport.sbnation.com/2014/11/22/7267705/leicester-city-0-0-sunderland-spoils-are-shared-at-the-king-powerDavid McColgan2014-11-22T14:09:17+00:002014-11-22T14:09:17+00:00Confirmed Lineups: Leicester vs Sunderland
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<p>The teams are in for today's visit to the King Power Stadium...</p> <p>Gus Poyet has made just one change from the side that drew 1-1 with Everton, with Lee Cattermole returning from suspension to replace Liam Bridcutt. Sebastian Coates returns from injury to feature on the bench, but Ricky Alvarez hasn't recovered in time.</p>
<p><b>Sunderland (4-1-4-1): </b>Pantilimon, Vergini, Brown, O'Shea, Reveillere; Cattermole; Johnson, Larsson, Gomez, Wickham; Fletcher</p>
<p><b>Subs: </b>Mannone, Coates, Robson, Bridcutt, Rodwell, Buckley, Altidore</p>
<p>Meanwhile PE/fill in Religion education teacher Nigel Pearson has made two changes from the Leicester team that was beaten 2-0 at Southampton. Paul Konchesky and Riyad Mahrez come in for Danny Drinkwater and Andy King.</p>
<p><b>Leicester (4-4-2): </b>Schmeichel, De Laet, Morgan, Wasilewski, Konchesky; Mahrez, Cambiasso, James, Schlupp; Vardy, Ulloa</p>
<p><b>Subs: </b>Hamer, Moore, Drinkwater, Powell, King, Knockaert, Nugent, Wood</p>
https://rokerreport.sbnation.com/2014/11/22/7267103/confirmed-lineups-leicester-vs-sunderlandLuke Bowley2014-11-22T09:00:01+00:002014-11-22T09:00:01+00:00Preview: Sunderland Looking To Out-Fox The Foxes
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<p>Sunderland head to the Midlands for what looks like being a potentially very open game against Leicester City.</p> <h4><b>Sunderland team news</b></h4>
<p>Gus Poyet has been boosted by the return of three players ahead of the trip to the Midlands. Lee Cattermole has completed a one-match ban and on-loan deadline-day duo Sebastian Coates and Ricky Alvarez have returned to training.</p>
<p>Steven Fletcher has been declared fit after an injury scare whilst playing for Scotland, but Billy Jones, Emanuele Giaccherini and Patrick van Aanholt are still missing.</p>
<h4><b>Leicester City team news</b></h4>
<p>Central defensive duo Liam Moore and Wes Morgan are expected to be fit for the Foxes, though Dean Hammond and Matthew Upson remain unavailable.</p>
<h4><b>Predicted line-up</b></h4>
<p><a href="http://sharemytactics.com/31471/" title="Click to view tactic"><img src="http://sharemytactics.com/31471/Sunderland-formation-tactics.png" alt="Sunderland - Football tactics and formations"></a></p>
<h4><b>Key match-up: John O'Shea v Leonardo Ulloa</b></h4>
<p>Ulloa is a player that Gus Poyet knows incredibly well and he'll be fully aware of the Argentinian's ability to sniff out a chance and finish it. Much will rely upon denying him the service from wide, but realistically O'Shea will have to be close to his best as well.</p>
<h4><b>Sunderland recent form: LWD</b></h4>
<p>Loss: Arsenal (H) 0-2</p>
<p>Win: Crystal Palace (A) 3-1</p>
<p>Draw: Everton (H) 1-1</p>
<h4><b>Leicester recent form: LLL<span> </span></b></h4>
<p>Loss: Swansea City (A) 0-2</p>
<p>Loss: West Bromwich Albion (H) 0-1</p>
<p>Loss: Southampton (A) 0-2</p>
<h4><b>Last time around: Leicester City 0-2 Sunderland (1/1/2007)</b></h4>
<p>The Foxes were an early victim of the post-Christmas Roy Keane juggernaut in the 2006/07 season, as late goals from Tobias Hysen and David Connolly sealed a belief-affirming New Years Day win for the Black Cats.</p>
<h4><b>The ref: Robert Madely</b></h4>
<p>Definitely not one of the more well-known officials, Madely takes charge of just his second Premier League game of the season, with Sunderland also involved in the first - the 1-0 defeat away to Queens Park Rangers.</p>
<h4><b>What the managers said:</b></h4>
<p><b>Gus Poyet:</b></p>
<blockquote>
<p>I don't think there's a difference between Leicester and the rest of the bottom 10, there are ups and downs in there. Like any other manager, the sooner they get it up again, the better for them.</p>
<p>We have to make sure that we are much better than the previous game after the international break.</p>
</blockquote>
<p><b>Nigel Pearson:</b></p>
<blockquote>
<p>You take out the Southampton game and they are a very well organised team.</p>
<p>People underestimate the qualities they have. We do need to get back to winning ways for a number of reasons but, in terms of reigniting the confidence in our side, that is always going to be an important factor with how we are going to go about the game.</p>
<p>We have to try to play our own game as well and that's what we'll endeavour to do. Knowing Gus Poyet he knows we need a result and he'll be expecting a tough game.</p>
</blockquote>
<h4><b>Roker Report predicts</b></h4>
<p>I could be mad here looking at the two sides, but I fancy a few goals in this one. I'll go for an entertaining 2-2 draw.</p>
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https://rokerreport.sbnation.com/2014/11/22/7265727/preview-sunderland-leicester-epl-looking-to-out-fox-the-foxesmichaelgraham2014-11-20T17:03:46+00:002014-11-20T17:03:46+00:00Piper: Sunderland Fans Best I Ever Experienced
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<p>With Leicester City v Sunderland approaching, Roker Report guest Danny Roberts caught up with former Fox and Black Cat Matt Piper. With a couple of cracking derby day memories thrown in, it's well worth a read. </p> <p>Sunderland head to the King Power Stadium on Saturday as the club hope to continue their steady, yet not so spectacular, start to the season against Leicester City.</p>
<p>Ahead of the game, we've spoken to former Sunderland and Leicester City man Matthew Piper to talk all things Sunderland, life after football and Leicester City.</p>
<p><b>DR: Hello, Matt. Thank you for taking the time to talk to us today. You retired from football back in 2007, what have you been doing with yourself since?</b></p>
<p>MP: I've stayed in football as a youth coach at Leicester City and I'm running my own football academy (footballandsports), as well as taking my UEFA coaching badges.</p>
<p>I am also a qualified personnel trainer and enjoy doing after dinner speaking from time to time. I will also definitely pursue coaching at a pro level when I gain more experience.</p>
<p><b>DR: You got to take part in Jody Craddock's testimonial back in May. How did that come about?</b></p>
<p>MP: I got a personal invite from Jody. We talk quite often and I own and keep a big interest in his artwork.</p>
<p><b>DR: As a fan, to see so many past SAFC greats on the pitch together again was a joy to behold, but as a player, what were your own personal highlights from the day and why?</b></p>
<p>MP: Just seeing all the guys again and rekindling friendships with some of them; the likes of [Julio] Arca, [Niall] Quinn, [Kevin] Phillips etc. It was a great day.</p>
<p><b>DR: Moving on to your career, although you had an extremely unfortunate time at Sunderland, you still have a strong bond with the club. Why is that? </b></p>
<p><b> </b></p>
<p>MP: The strong bond with Sunderland is really just based on the fans! They're the best fans I've ever played in front of.</p>
<p><b>DR: You managed to score the last ever goal at Filbert Street, which I'm sure is your career highlight. However, have you got any moments during your time at Sunderland that you're also fond of?</b></p>
<p>MP: Beating Arsenal at Highbury! We were 2 down at half time and came back and won 3-2! It was one of the most special nights I had in the game.</p>
<p><b>DR: </b><b>Staying on the subject of your Sunderland memories, who was the most comical player you ever got to play with at the club and why?</b></p>
<p>MP: Jason McAteer. Simple really, always playing pranks or telling jokes but he was also nicknamed Trigger because how stupid he was and that stupidity always made the boys laugh.</p>
<p><b>DR: What was the best changing room prank you've ever been involved with/witnessed?</b><b> </b></p>
<p>MP: It's not from my time at Sunderland, but Garry Parker at Leicester City once aimed a training ground sprinkler through the sunroof of Robbie Savage's brand new yellow Ferrari. Water was pouring out of the windows!</p>
<p><b>DR: Hardest half-time/full-time team-talk you ever experienced?</b><b> </b></p>
<p>MP: It's from when Howard Wilkinson was at Sunderland. It lasted about an hour and most of it was aimed at me!</p>
<p>For some reason he was telling a story about a wildlife programme on geese and how they fly in formation. It was very long and very strange. He later made us watch a 30-minute DVD regarding this.</p>
<p><b>DR: Talking about managers, you were bought and played for - albeit only for a few months - one of club's most popular managers in the club's history, Peter Reid. What was he like? </b></p>
<p>MP: Peter Reid was one of my favourite managers; very funny and very loyal to his players and a great all round manager.</p>
<p><b>DR: When the club attempted to sign you, were there any other clubs interested in you, and if so, how did Reid - or club officials - sell the club to you?</b></p>
<p>MP: Southampton & Tottenham were rumoured to be interested also, but it was Reid's presence and character that made me choose Sunderland.</p>
<p><b>DR: During your time with Reid, you played in a Tyne & Wear derby. Personally, although we lost 2-0 that day, do you have any good memories or stories from the day?</b></p>
<p>MP: I got spat in the face from a Newcastle fan on the way in!</p>
<p>I also kicked a ball in the crowd in anger and knocked out a Newcastle lady fan! I apologised to her at the end by sending her an SAFC shirt!</p>
<p><b>DR: Talking about present day Sunderland, how do you think the club will get on this season?</b></p>
<p>MP: Sunderland will stay up. I think they'll finish mid-table.</p>
<p><b>DR: We've got a number of talented players at the club, but which do you think is the club's most important asset?</b></p>
<p>MP: I think it's Steven Fletcher. If they can keep him fit and supply him, he will score the goals.</p>
<p><b>DR: What do you think about Gus Poyet? Do you think he's man to finally establish the club as mid table Premiership team?</b></p>
<p>MP: I like, Gus. If the club can give him enough time I think he will do a great job!</p>
<p><b>DR: Moving onto our opponents on Saturday, Leicester City, which players should we watch out for during the game?</b></p>
<p><b> </b></p>
<p>MP: Anthony Knockaert and Riyad Mahrez. However I don't think either will play.</p>
<p><b>DR: After</b> <b>an impressive start to the campaign, the club has failed to record a victory since their 5-3 win against Manchester United back in September. They now sit 18<sup>th</sup> in the Premiership. With the club now sitting in the relegation zone, do you think the club can stay up?</b></p>
<p><b> </b></p>
<p>MP: I hope we can survive. I think it'll be tough, but there's no reason why the club can't do it.</p>
<p><b>DR: Finally, what do you think the score will be?</b></p>
<p>MP: I think it'll be 2-2.</p>
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<p style="text-align: left;">Big thanks to Danny Roberts and Matt Piper for this. For those who are Twitter-inclined, you can follow Danny <a href="https://twitter.com/DjRoberts22" target="_blank">HERE</a> and Matt <a href="https://twitter.com/_mattpiper" target="_blank">HERE</a>.</p>
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https://rokerreport.sbnation.com/2014/11/20/7254581/piper-sunderland-fans-best-i-ever-experiencedmichaelgrahamDanny Roberts