Which of Sunderland's young starlets could take centre stage against Stoke City?
Today at 01:00 AM
With changes almost certainly in the offing for the Lads this week, who could stake a claim when we line up against the Potters in the FA Cup?
Andrew Smithson says…
I must admit that I'm quite disheartened by the approach being taken towards this game.
It might be old school and I understand the importance of prioritising the league, but I'd love to see Sunderland giving the FA Cup a real go.
That being said, I always enjoy watching the U21s and I think a few of them deserve a chance to show what they can do at a higher level, with this tie against Stoke City being an opportunity for that.
As has been suggested already, Trey Ogunsuyi seems like he could be ready to step up, and given the number of times Harrison Jones has been on the bench recently, it would be good to get another look at him too. There's a lot of potential waiting in the wings and I think that anybody that's given a go will be desperate to prove that.
As for the slightly older names, the attitude of fringe individuals such as Joe Anderson and Leo Hjelde is obviously very good and they'll want to show their professionalism as much as anything else. A lot of attention will be on Salis Abdul Samed should he feature; he has a great pedigree and will expect to be part of the first team when fully fit, so should be keen to impress.
The problem with making too many changes is that it can reduce the likelihood of an inexperienced player making an impact. It's hard to slot in and show your best when those around you are also trying to feel their way into things or are a bit rusty.
It'll make it all the more impressive if one or two do stand out, and if we get into the next round, I'd love it if they could perhaps get to appear again alongside a few more settled first choice regulars.
John Wilson says…
The one player I'd love to see get some substantial minutes is Trey Ogunsuyi.
The clips I've seen of him for the U21s are very promising and it would be interesting to see how he copes with a 'step up'.
Of course, it may not turn out to be a step up if Stoke put out a young experimental team like I hope we do, but I think Mark Robins will want to get a better handle on the players he's inherited, and as they don't have another game for a week, he may well play a decent side.
I don't think there can be a negative outcome for Trey this weekend. If he plays well, it's a win/win, but if he seems slightly lost, then he's been given the experience which can only be good for him.
We often say that if 'he's good enough, he's old enough', so I've no reason to think Trey can't make a statement in the game.
That said, there are a few fringe players that could do with a game, and I'd be all for resting the entire first eleven. I'm not sure which of the injured players are ready for a run out, but if Salis Abdul Samed or Ahmed Abdullahi are ready, it would be very interesting to see them.
Ian Poveda, Joe Anderson, Leo Hjelde and Milan Aleksić could all do with a full ninety minutes, but it's a comfortable situation for us to be in - to accept that a cup run wouldn't benefit us in anyway this season, when set against our promotion push.
That being said, and purely for a discussion point, I'd take winning the FA Cup over promotion!
It would be etched into our history and nobody could take it away from us!
Malc Dugdale says…
I'm not sure how much of the cup game I'll see this weekend due to family commitments, but I think this is a great chance for Trey Ogunsiyi to shine against a Stoke side that'll probably be changed from their recent games.
While our front two have really found their mojo in recent weeks, with the switch to a 4-4-2 setup being a big factor, Ogunsuyi has occupied the bench and probably been both happy and gutted this upturn in results was the case.
He's been scoring good goals for many weeks at the level below the first team, including during the dry spell for Eliezer Mayenda and Wilson Isidor, and had that continued, he may well have got minutes sooner.
However, striking successes and the fitness of both Mayenda and Isidor are rightly keeping him out of league appearances, but this game is a great opportunity to play with at least a select few of the first eleven and to show what he has to offer.
With Nazariy Rusyn expected by many to move on and similar rumours surrounding Aaron Connolly, Ogunsuyi may get chances very soon and he should start ahead of them on Saturday, but the future for him also depends on who we may bring in to back up our two rapid strikers in the transfer window.
Ogunsuyi is here with us this weekend, and any new signings aren't, so I wish him luck in getting a start ahead of those who may be moving on, and showing the club and the fans that make the game what he can do if we need his help between now and May.
