Wigan v Sunderland - THE VERDICT
Steve Bruce will be so pleased he sorted out Sunderland's home results because without them the Black Cats would once again be at the nervous end of the Premier League.
Four defeats and only one win on the road so far is a record which, should it continue, will severely restrict the club's ability to remain among the challengers for Europe.
And it is the fact that two of those defeats have come at Burnley and Birmingham that is the most frustrating thing.
Losing at Stoke is no disgrace as it has developed into one of the Premier League's most feared destinations.
Losing at Spurs – currently in the top four – also carries no shame, particularly given that Sunderland really should have got at least a point from their performance at White Hart Lane on November 7.
But Bruce's side looked a distance short of having top 10 potential for significant parts of the matches at Turf Moor and St Andrews and he must be wondering what aspect of his team's character will come to the fore at Wigan tomorrow.
At least Wigan – unlike Burnley and Birmingham – don't have the adrenaline of a recent promotion to draw from.
And their annihilation at Spurs on Sunday was a very worrying sign indeed for Bruce's successor Roberto Martinez, who is not only finding his feet at a new club but also at the highest level he has ever experience as player or manager.
But you get the feeling that tomorrow is all about Sunderland.
Regardless of whether Wigan lift their performance after that 9-1 hammering, you feel that Sunderland are better if they play to their potential. If.
I would not be surprised if Sunderland go 4-5-1 again tomorrow with Darren Bent or Fraizer Campbell up front, supported by a midfield of Bolo Zenden, Andy Reid, Lorik Cana, Jordan Henderson and Steed Malbranque.
If Bent suffers more trouble with his hamstring before kick-off, then it will be a big day for Campbell and I'm sure he's looking forward to taking on the responsibility because he's a striker and wants the chance to play through the middle.
Campbell may not be as strong in the air as Bent or Kenwyne Jones – still banned – but he's quick, is full of energy and brave.
Hopefully he'll have a successful afternoon, regardless of where he plays, on a day I think can belong to Sunderland.
Prediction: Away win.
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Weather for Sunderland
Saturday 04 February 2012
Today
Light sleet showers
Temperature: -1 C to 2 C
Wind Speed: 18 mph
Wind direction: South
Tomorrow
Sunny spells
Temperature: 1 C to 6 C
Wind Speed: 14 mph
Wind direction: West
