So far, so very very dull. Today’s transfer window deadline has brought us so little to get worked up about we’re left clinging to the hope that Nicky Shorey will earn a few assists. Maybe tonight’s match – the latest in this extended gameweek – can bring us a semblance of excitement.
On paper, the omens aren’t great. Sunderland (no win in nine) host a Stoke side with just a single goal in their last five away games. Darren Bent carries the fantasy can for some tonight, he starts with Kenwyne Jones up front, whilst Michael Turner and Lee Cattermole both pass fitness tests to return. Andy Reid and Steed Malbranque also return having been benched at Everton.
Tony Pulis also makes changes for the visitors. Skipper Abdoulaye Faye comes back into the back four as Danny Higginbotham shifts to left-back, leaving Danny Collins benched. Rory Delap is also surprisingly keeping him company, as Whitehead moves wide to accommodate the return of Diao in the centre. Tuncay is recalled up front with Ricardo Fuller dropping out.
Follow the fortunes of this match, whilst joining the transfer window banter in our Dugout Discussion chatroom which is now open.