Real Football Man All of the Football, All of the time
Sunderland are hoping Jermain Defoe will be fit despite the striker limping off with an ankle injury in Monday’s win over Crystal Palace.
Fabio Borini could return after missing the Palace game with an ankle injury, but defender Billy Jones is suspended.
Stoke’s Xherdan Shaqiri is fit after a hamstring strain but Philipp Wollscheid is a doubt with a sore pelvis.
Geoff Cameron or Marc Wilson are likely to deputise should the German defender miss out.
Editor’s Note: Sunderland got their first win in 3 matches on Monday thanks to capitalising on a Crystal Palace error they won’t really care how the goal came about, they’ll just be glad that they weren’t cast adrift of the drop zone. Big Sam is looking at clean sheets being the main factor in keeping them up this season and to have any chance they are going to have to repeat that feat against Stoke.
This is a Stoke side which is unbeaten in 3 matches and have beaten Chelsea and Southampton in their last two. I don’t think this is going to be a particularly pretty watch as Sunderland look to squeeze Stoke out of the game. My money is going on a draw and also will win the coveted “last on Match Of The Day award”, if it ends up 0-0 then just go to bed 10 minutes early
