Sunderland have proved they can beat anyone in League One. The Black Cats have also proven that of late, they are extremely difficult to not only defeat but to score against. Currently lying 5th in the table, but just three points off the top, Sunderland are in form and have an excellent chance of gaining promotion. There are 13 games left, 13 winnable games for Sunderland to get back to the Championship.
13 Winnable Games For Sunderland: First Up, Bristol Rovers
13 Winnable Games for Sunderland but Some Tough Opponents Await
Sunderland have 13 games left to play in this campaign. The Black Cats are more than capable of winning each of these games; however, they still have to play some very tough games. Games against fellow promotion hopefuls.
Phil Parkinson’s men still have Rotherham United, Fleetwood Town, Coventry City and Peterborough United to play. Should they come away from these unscathed, promotion should be in their sights.
First Up, Bristol Rovers
Sunderland face Bristol Rovers at the Stadium of Light on Saturday. The home side will be looking for a fourth straight win and clean sheet. Should the Black Cats win and other results go their way, they could find themselves in the top two on Saturday evening.
Rovers are currently mid-table. The Pirates have little danger of being relegated and have faint hopes of a playoff place. Rovers away form is average at best. Their last away victory came on December 14th.
Jordan Willis Believes Next 13 Are All Winnable Games For Sunderland
Defender Jordan Willis has been an integral part of an almost impregnable defence. One defeat in 13 games and seven clean sheets in the last eight has given everyone at Sunderland renewed hope. Willis has the belief that the Black Cats can finish the season strongly. Speaking earlier this week, Willis said:
“The confidence is there within the group, and I think you see with the performances and the results that is showing on the pitch. I think if we perform to our best, there’s no reason why we can’t win every game between now and the end of the season.”
“There could be some ups and downs along the way, but if we perform to our best day-in, day-out there’s absolutely no reason why not.”
Bailey Wright Out
Phil Parkinson was dealt a blow last weekend when new defensive signing Bailey Wright was injured. It is believed that Wright could miss the rest of the season with an ankle ligament damage. Although the injury is a blow, Parkinson has Alim Ozturk to step in. Ozturk was dropped in favour of Wright in January, somewhat unfairly due to the Turks performances.
Other Team News
Joel Lynch has returned to training. The 32-year-old defender was carried off at Portsmouth after being knocked unconscious. However, the Bristol Rovers game will come too soon for the former QPR man.
Next Up, Fleetwood Town
Next Tuesday Sunderland welcome Joey Barton’s Fleetwood to the Stadium of Light. They face Portsmouth on Saturday and like Sunderland, they are currently in excellent form. Four straight victories and undefeated in the last seven shows they could be a difficult opponent to overcome.
Maximum points from the next two home games would take them into the away game at Coventry City in the best possible form and confidence. City have been defeated just three times this season and will prove a tough test. However, as Jordan Willis said, there’s no reason why the team can’t win every game.
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