Sunderland vs Millwall: Mike Dodds reveals injury latest, early team news and selection approach
and live on Freeview channel 276
Sunderland are preparing for their Championship match against Millwall - and interim head coach Mike Dodds has held his pre-match press conference.
The Black Cats beat play-off contenders West Brom last weekend, after Pierre Ekwah scored the only goal of the game. Millwall also took all three points as they beat Cardiff 3-1 last time out, moving Neil Harris’ side six points clear of the relegation zone.
Here’s what was said at the Academy of Light as Dodds spoke to the media:
Mike Dodds press conference
Dodds on team selection
“I’ve said in previous weeks, I’m not going to use these games to experiment. But there is one eye on the next kind of 12/18 months. There is a balance. As a head coach I do want to win every game of football so that will be the priority. From there it’s do we want to change the shape, can we give player X an opportunity and we make the decision from there.
“Any decision to pick the team, it’s discussed amongst the staff, it’s hours and hours of watching the opposition, Watching our previous games. Those decisions are made over a long period of time.”
Dodds on potentially switching to a back four
“Potentially. The back five has served us really well over the last few games. I think what it does do is it allows us to absorb forward passes, which could be something that is important in this game. Millwall will play a lot of forward passes so a back five would be beneficial to that.
“A back four allows you to get another attacking option on the pitch so it’s a decision for us to make as staff.”
Dodds on Nazariy Rusyn
“Potentially. I think it will be touch and go at the moment. He’s part training with the group at the moment. I think the reality is this game and the next game will probably be too close. Sheffield Wednesday potentially will probably be more realistic.”
More to come...
That brings us to the end of the broadcast section of the press conference, but Dodds has also spoken to the written press - including our reporter Phil Smith.
You can find more from the Black Cats boss and build-up to Saturday’s match over on the SAFC section of the Echo website.
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