Key tussle: Sunderland must beware returning player when Hull come to town

KEY BATTLE

Always beware the returning player. It is certainly worth putting out that message ahead of the Ahmed Elmohamady’s visit to the Stadium of Light tomorrow.

The Egyptian was a big favourite of Steve Bruce, so much so that when Brucey left Wearside and moved to Humberside, he signed the wide player.

Bruce has departed the KC Stadium but Elmo is still going strong down the right and will doubtless be keen to make a mark. Patrick van Aanholt beware.

OPPOSITION BOSS

“You’re getting sacked in the morning” sang the Bournemouth fans as the Cherries stuck six past Hull.

The irony was Mike Phelan had just been appointed as Tigers boss having been caretaker following Steve Bruce’s exit.

The ex-Norwich midfielder has a job on his hands to keep Hull up, but don’t doubt the expertise and fortitude of a man who severed as Sir Alex Ferguson’s right-hand man at Old Trafford.

LAST TIME OUT

Sunderland 3 Hull 1: Hull moved out of the relegation zone by winning at Sunderland with goals by Gaston Ramirez, James Chester and Nikica Jelavic after Adam Johnson had put the Black Cats ahead after 30 seconds.