Following a run of three successive league defeats, coupled with losses in the FA Cup and EFL Trophy, Lee Johnson’s Sunderland must get back on track during the next three games to reignite their promotion challenge.
The Black Cats finish November with three league games in seven days, starting at home against Ipswich Town followed by consecutive away games at Shrewsbury Town and Cambridge United. Lee Johnson has come under increasing pressure of late due to the poor performances and results which has seen his side slip down the table and exit the FA Cup at the hands of League Two strugglers Mansfield Town.
Lee Johnson’s Sunderland Must Get Back on Track – Starting Against Ipswich Town
Johnson Under Pressure
Reports have circulated in the past week that owner Kyril Louis-Dreyfus is far from happy with the club’s current form. Football is an unforgiving business and although Lee Johnson will undoubtedly be given games to turn around the poor run, should Sunderland suffer defeats over the next week, the manager could see him himself under immense pressure.
Lee Johnson and Sunderland have set out on a long-term plan of making Sunderland a success both on and off the field. However, in the short term, Johnson and his team must deliver results on the pitch. Should promotion not be achieved, the season will be deemed a failure.
Three Crucial Games in Seven Days for Lee Johnson’s Sunderland
If the Black Cats can at least remain undefeated in the next three games, their season will be back on track. Lose and perform poorly, especially at home to Ipswich, and the pressure mounting on Lee Johnson could hit a new level amongst some sections of fans.
Ipswich arrive at the Stadium of Light having begun to turn their season around following a run of six games without a win at the beginning of the campaign. The promotion hopefuls now lie in ninth place, four points off the playoff spots following just two defeats in 14 games. 4-1 and 4-0 victories at fellow promotion candidates Wycombe Wanderers and Portsmouth indicates that the Tractor Boys will be a threat on Wearside.
Next Tuesday, Sunderland travel to Shrewsbury Town for the second time this calendar year. In February, the Black Cats suffered a 2-1 defeat, a result they will be looking to avenge. Prior to Saturday’s round of games, Shrewsbury are fourth from bottom of League One following three defeats in their last five games.
November comes to an end for Sunderland with a trip to Cambridge United. The U’s are currently mid-table but have not won in their last three league games and face in-form Rotherham United and Wigan Athletic prior to the visit of Sunderland.
Defender Confident Results Will Improve
Speaking to Sunderland’s official website, Carl Winchester, the midfielder who has reverted to playing right-back this season, spoke about the crucial clash with Ipswich. He said: “It’s important that we put things right on Saturday and we’re all looking forward to the game.
“It’s a massive game for everyone – they’re a good side and we’re aware of that, but it’s about what we do, and we need to get back to how we were playing at the start of the season.
“We know that once we get back to that level of performance, the results will follow.”
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