Sunderland may have succumbed to another disappointing result against Blackpool last time out but the return from injury of Lynden Gooch offers them rekindled hope.
On the chalkboard
There is no doubt that Phil Parkinson has struggled at Sunderland with just two wins from 13 games, and though that is partly due to an inability to get the best out of his players, he has also been hindered by injuries to certain individuals.
Charlie Wyke’s goal at the weekend on just his second start under Parkinson shows what the Black Cats’ boss has missed because of his injury, and now he could also be boosted by the return of Gooch.
The winger has timed his comeback well as he can straight into the team to fill the spot vacated by Aiden McGeady, whose Sunderland career appears to be over after Parkinson took the bold step to transfer list him last week despite boasting four goals and two assists in League One this season.
Chris Maguire fulfilled the left-wing spot against the Seasiders but he lacks the pace and dynamism to cause problems on the flank, and that is where Gooch can come in handy if he rediscovers his early season form.
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Attacking threat
The main reason behind Sunderland’s struggles under Parkinson is their weakness going forward. Will Grigg and Marc McNulty’s horrendous form means the team have scored only 14 goals in 13 games under the former Bolton boss.
With no match this weekend he has time to work with the players in training and a chance to add new attacking strategies, and with Gooch back in the set-up he now has a variety of options available.
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Gooch’s energy on the wing has been sorely missed in recent weeks, but with him and Duncan Watmore on the opposite flank Sunderland would suddenly be blessed with quick and direct players.
That can help them get up the pitch and will allow them to pressure the opponent’s final third – Gooch has shown his ability to put defenders on the back foot with 1.2 successful dribbles per game this campaign.
The minutes he got against Blackpool were useful but he now has a period of rest until Boxing Day, and he should be raring to prove himself under his new manager in order to win his spot back.
He also has four goals this term, which makes him one of Sunderland’s highest scorers despite missing eight weeks out on the sidelines, and that demonstrates both his importance to the team and the possible impact he could make on his return.
Meanwhile, many Sunderland fans finally have a reason to be excited as a popular figure has joined the board.