Sunderland need goals. They need them quick. In their last nine games, the Black Cats have failed to score more than once. Five of these games have resulted in draws. Four of them after leading the game. Will Grigg partnered by Charlie Wyke could be the answer.
Jack Ross, for the majority of the season, has persisted with one forward. However, his team are struggling to finish teams off from winning positions. Could it now be time to play two strikers? Especially with three important home games coming up in the space of one week.
A Will Grigg and Charlie Wyke Partnership Could Work
Will Grigg Prolific in League One
The Northern Ireland international has been prolific in League One. In recent seasons he has 20, 25 and 19 goals respectively. He was a deadline day signing, with his remit simple. Score goals.
Grigg is used to playing as a lone striker; however, any help can only be beneficial. Charlie Wyke could be that player to help. Especially as the Black Cats have difficulty getting support to their lone forward.
Charlie Wyke to Regain Confidence
The former Bradford City forward has had a frustrating time on Wearside. Signing last summer, Wyke has struggled with injuries, form, goals and confidence. It is believed by many that he is not mobile enough to play as a lone striker. He is an old fashioned centre forward. Big, strong and can hold the ball up. However, if he played alongside a poacher like Grigg, fans may see the best of him.
A good finisher in his own right, the striker scored 15 league goals last season. However, pairing him with Grigg, even for the short-term, could benefit both players and the team as the push for promotion.
Holding a Lead a Struggle
Sunderland have certainly struggled to hold onto a lead of late. Too many points have been dropped from winning positions. Usually one nil. Two up front could hinder this even more; however, get the goals first and then change the formation could be changed.
Two Strikers Outdated?
Two strikers is seen by many as an outdated way to play. However, sometimes, risks need to be taken. If Sunderland go with two strikers there is a chance that they could simply outscore the opposition. As we know, football isn’t as simple as that.
Or, Let Grigg do his Thing
The other option open to Jack Ross is simple. Stick to the formation he favours, and let his new striker do what he does best. However, with wins proving hard to come by, Jack Ross must consider all the players and options available to him.
Three home games in seven days gives the team the opportunity to get back into the automatic promotion places. Sunderland do not want to look back on this period as a reason why promotion was not achieved.
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