Sunderland weigh injuries as Ballard-Alderete shine
Sunderland’s sole European season was 1973/74, playing 4 matches and winning no trophies. The North East tally stands at Newcastle 151 games, Middlesbrough 25, Sunderland 4 - highlighting Sunderland’s scant outings.
Fans back ‘Legends Way’ plans at the Stadium of Light, including legend stones, Roker End lettering and a Jimmy Montgomery statue facing Bob Stokoe to recreate 1973. Seen as deepening club-supporter bonds.
Le Bris could be without up to eight. Brobbey and Cirkin to be assessed, Hume and Sadiki back from bans. Ellborg to start, Xhaka and Sadiki in midfield, Ballard with Alderete at centre-back, Mayenda up front.
Feature hails Ballard and Alderete’s flourishing partnership. Ballard’s awards, passing and aerial threat praised, Alderete lauded for duels, positioning and composure. Ghisolfi: ‘I cannot find a Ballard.’
Sunderland beat West Ham 2-0 in 2004 as Kyle and Whitley scored after a contentious first half. Etherington suffered a suspected broken leg after Wright’s challenge, with several incidents that VAR would review.
