Early Predictions 19/20

[DearneValleyRover]

I have no idea how we will do this year the remit is still to gain promotion but at present we are very light in terms of personnel. In respect to other teams, Rotherham will be up there along with Ipswich, MK, Lincoln, Burton and Coventry. Question marks over Peterborough and Fleetwood due to who manages them. Now Sunderland haven’t improved the squad and if they play as negatively as last season I just don’t see them gaining promotion. Finally Portsmouth given their recruitment I feel they are in pole position for the title. At the wrong end Bolton and Bury are the obvious candidates as to the other 2 spots I have no idea.

 

[SuffolkBlue]

Would be a surpise to see us in the top 2 or the top 6 I have to say. Got a good goalscorer but not a lot behind him. I make it 8 senior players out for the first weekend of the season and 1 looking set to leave. Would expect us to finish 10th-12th. Reckon Pompey and Rotherham top 2

 

[THE LAST WALTZ]

Think you may be over estimating the strength of league one my tractor driving friend.

 

[K-Win]

Getting lots of top two predictions. No pressure, then!

Although we've lost a couple of first teamers (Clarke and Thompson) and may yet still lose Lowe if a big enough offer comes in, I reckon we have replaced them pretty well and strengthened significantly in midfield and attack.

Given that we've improved our league position each of the last four seasons it's natural to think that we can get into that top two this season. I do feel confident but football has a way of smacking you in the face.

 

[SF_]

Sunderland
Rotherham
-----------------
Portsmouth
Ipswich
Peterborough
Burton
-------------------

......


-------------------
Gillingham
Southend
Bolton
Bury

 

[THE LAST WALTZ]

At last

 

[T.A]

Sunderland struggled attacking wise last season especially when McGeady wasn’t playing.. have they bought any attacking players to make that jump to top two?

 

[SF_]

Sunderland struggled attacking wise last season especially when McGeady wasn’t playing.. have they bought any attacking players to make that jump to top two?

They've added a couple of decent defenders and a new keeper and will have a largely settled team, will work in their favour I think. Clean sheets generally get teams out of this league, plus i'd expect them to add a couple more attacking players before the window closes.

Will obviously be looking for more minutes from Grigg & Wyke, while McGeady is the best player in the division.

 

[K-Win]

Yes, but Sunderland's new keeper is Lee Burge? Wasn't he the Coventry keeper from last season that can't catch crosses?

 

[SF_]

Yes, but Sunderland's new keeper is Lee Burge? Wasn't he the Coventry keeper from last season that can't catch crosses?

No idea, their current keeper is ok isn't he?

 

[K-Win]

Yes, Burge must only be back up. McLaughlin is pretty solid, I think.

 

[T.A]

They've added a couple of decent defenders and a new keeper and will have a largely settled team, will work in their favour I think. Clean sheets generally get teams out of this league, plus i'd expect them to add a couple more attacking players before the window closes.

Will obviously be looking for more minutes from Grigg & Wyke, while McGeady is the best player in the division.

I seem to remember Sunderland fans being very bored with their style of play last season.. of course it doesn’t matter if you are winning but if they don’t get them results it could be quite toxic at the SoL

IMO.

 

[SF_]

I seem to remember Sunderland fans being very bored with their style of play last season.. of course it doesn’t matter if you are winning but if they don’t get them results it could be quite toxic at the SoL

IMO.

Possibly, I haven't followed this league too closely but I look at their team and I think they've got enough for automatics if they avoid injury. Probably need another creative wideman/ no. 10 adding to the squad though I agree.

 

[DearneValleyRover]

Last season Sunderland’s modus operandi was to score in the first 10 minutes then defend the lead for the rest of the game

 

[T.A]

Yeah think it’s more of the manager than the players they have. Maybe he will change it this season.

 

[DearneValleyRover]

Yeah think it’s more of the manager than the players they have. Maybe he will change it this season.

If they want to go up they will have to

 

[Muzzle]

We won't go down due to playing and losing. Whether we start the season is another matter

 

[WilsdenBantam]

We won't go down due to playing and losing. Whether we start the season is another matter

I've only heard little bits about your situation, but it surprised me how strong a team you had against us the other day, for this league anyway. I'm guessing it depends on the takeover whether or not you can get them through the door or not?

 

[Muzzle]

I've only heard little bits about your situation, but it surprised me how strong a team you had against us the other day, for this league anyway. I'm guessing it depends on the takeover whether or not you can get them through the door or not?

Correct my friend, if the takeover goes through, we have a team to get us to at least mid table, but it is all about the takeover and the EFL telling them they want decisive movement by end of today

 

[SF_]

5 players or not, don't give Ben bloody Pringle a contract.

 

[Bucket_]

Getting lots of top two predictions. No pressure, then!

Although we've lost a couple of first teamers (Clarke and Thompson) and may yet still lose Lowe if a big enough offer comes in, I reckon we have replaced them pretty well and strengthened significantly in midfield and attack.

Given that we've improved our league position each of the last four seasons it's natural to think that we can get into that top two this season. I do feel confident but football has a way of smacking you in the face.

Bang on as usual Mr Win!

I think our challenge genuinely rests on where Jamal Lowe ends up - if he stays, top two is very much on, our squad depth and quality looks strong with options everywhere. If he's off, different story - we might find a quality replacement (or already have it in Harness) but with the time it'll take them and the other new players to bed in, we could have a slightly rough start.

Fully expecting Peterborough to challenge this season, Ipswich too. Sunderland.. question mark? I won't predict anything more than that as I'm woefully ignorant of pretty much everyone else, to my shame. Can't wait for it all to get going though, get me back down the Park with the shiny new lights!

 

[Haway The Lads]

Sunderland struggled attacking wise last season especially when McGeady wasn’t playing.. have they bought any attacking players to make that jump to top two?

We have added Mark McNulty on loan from Reading, have Watmore back fit in pre season for the first time in years, and have Elliott Embleton returning from a successful loan spell at Grimsby. Our fans all want us to sign Marcus Maddison, but I don't think we're gonna spend that type of money.

We have played a 3421 formation all pre season, with wing backs and 2 attackers off Grigg or Wyke. Clearly an attempt by Ross to be more attack minded this season.

 

[nelsonpfc]

Top 2 - Portsmouth and Ipswich
Play offs - Rotherham, Sunderland, Peterborough, Blackpool
Relegated - Bury, Wycombe, Accrington, Rochdale

Top Scorer: Ronan Curtis - difficult with Lowe either off or having a sulk. If Ronan starts like he did last season he's unstoppable
Signing you’re most excited about: Marcus Harness - He's a really good signing. Looks like he can be a real game changer.
The player you expect to step up this season: Anton Walkes - with Nathan Thompson not wanting to renew his contract (still hasn't signed anywhere) James Bolton not played in pre season due to injury. Walkes will start at RB. Technically he's excellent. Just lacking game experience. Think he'll play at a high level
Key Player: Tough one. Tom Naylor got players player award last season. Works so hard for the team. Strong tackler and leader in midfield. Not a finesse player but we miss him when he suspended!
Fixture you’re most looking forward to: Sunderland home and away. We have built up a rivalry last season.

 

[TractorBoys]

Would be a surpise to see us in the top 2 or the top 6 I have to say. Got a good goalscorer but not a lot behind him. I make it 8 senior players out for the first weekend of the season and 1 looking set to leave. Would expect us to finish 10th-12th. Reckon Pompey and Rotherham top 2

From a fracture dislocated ankle. Depends if it needs surgery. You will be luck to see him for next 5 to 6 months.

I just can't envisage us outside the top 6 barring our ongoing injury list not improving all season. I fancy both our strike force and our midfield as one of the best in the league.

Defensively we are suspect- I'm really hoping Bart can forget last season and perform like he did to earn player of the year 3 seasons a row back in 2017 and before.

 

[PuB]

I would be amazed if you finished outside of the top 3 or 4, this league hasn’t been very tough for the relegated championship sides over the last few seasons. You have a very decent keeper in Holy too.

 

[T.A]

Beat Vale today Lads. We are staying up!

 

[Mark kavanagh]

Last season Sunderland’s modus operandi was to score in the first 10 minutes then defend the lead for the rest of the game

We sacked gary brabin for that in the national league. 10 players behind the ball home to welling and we still lost

 

[DearneValleyRover]

We sacked gary brabin for that in the national league. 10 players behind the ball home to welling and we still lost

To be honest I’m amazed he still has a job because Sunderland should have walked the League last season not sure you can say the same this time.

 

[TractorBoys]

I would be amazed if you finished outside of the top 3 or 4, this league hasn’t been very tough for the relegated championship sides over the last few seasons. You have a very decent keeper in Holy too.

I hope you're right as Bart is now on a season long loan to Milwall.

Good deal all round as he was our highest paid player by an absolute mile.