There are three important games in the near future for the boys, as the results of these games will probably define our European dreams.
There has been a lot of talk about our chances of a European place since we secured safety and it has never been more prominent than in these next three.
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To be honest, I have a pretty relaxed view of this specific debate. Of course Europe would be a brilliant achievement which would be fantastic for the players, the fans and the club, but if the end of the season comes and we don’t end up with a place in the continental tournament secured then I would still be satisfied with how the season has gone.
This has been the best season I have had supporting Sunderland and one I will never forget, especially if we get results in the next three games.
Our first rival is Tottenham Hotspur, who are in complete chaos. Teetering on the edge of the relegation zone, Spurs are mired in one of the worst seasons in their history.
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They haven’t won a league game since December, the players seem to be giving up and the coach’s seat on the bench is burning.
A few days ago, this match would have been much more predictable. Igor Tudor had no joy from the team and the fans could not see where the next victory would come from. Now they have quickly pivoted towards Roberto De Zerbi, I think our match will be a less predictable and much more difficult match.
Presumably, his players will have woken up from the sleepwalking of relegation and will be looking to impress the manager and indeed strive to stay in the league.
Of course, our boys will be happy too, still fired up after completing the derby double. It’s been almost a month since our last home game and I hope the boys are motivated to once again give the red and white army something to shout about.
Regardless of whether Tottenham are preparing to give everything to try and stay on top, we have home advantage and spirits are high. They are in terrible shape and I know we will be ready to fight next Sunday. I’m confident of a positive outcome for the boys in this case, but I’m struggling to get out of the “stay on top” school of thought. For most of the season, a draw was usually a good result as each point brought us closer to safety. But now, three points are a much bigger benefit to our European chances than one point, especially at home, so I guess what we need is a win and we definitely have the ability to get it.
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Afterwards, a tough trip awaits us to Villa Park. Villa are having a good season and are a good team with some talented players, so getting there won’t be easy. However, they are starting to show signs of fatigue due to their busy schedule and that may have an effect on our match. We will face them just four days after the second leg of the Europa League quarter-finals, which will hopefully give us a good head start in terms of team preparation and sharpness.
When we faced them in the SoL, it was a pretty strange match. We were behind that comeback against Brentford and the impressive point at Selhurst Road, while Villa were in that period where they couldn’t buy a goal, which made for an interesting spectacle. He then turned around, when Reinildo kicked stupidly, causing him to be expelled. Poor Chris Rigg was sacrificed on his full Premier League debut for that. Isidor equalized to give us a good point, but looking back at the strange circumstances of the match doesn’t give us much to work on in terms of how this one could end.
Their strength at home changes the situation around what would be a good result. As I mentioned, we need to pick up as many points as possible to give ourselves the best chance of qualifying for Europe, but if we come out of there with a point I don’t think there will be many unhappy faces.
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We close April with another home game, and a special one at that. We face Nottingham Forest in a match chosen within Made in Sunderland Week. The club has done excellently to strengthen the bond between the club and the city itself and this is a continuation of those efforts. There will be a fan zone around the stadium and a full Sunderland celebration will be organised. “Local singers, creators and talent” will look to create a brilliant atmosphere which will be compounded by the installation of the ‘Welcome to Sunderland’ sign. A moving call to Roker Park that emphasizes how well run the club has become. This makes for a great event and a game to look forward to.
As for our rival, it is quite similar to Tottenham. In the midst of a relegation battle, Forest have also rotated their coaches, making it an unstable place. Despite their internal problems, they are still involved in the Europa League. In fact, they are a great example of what could happen as a result of European qualification and not supporting it properly in the summer window. Forest will be desperate for points and I’m sure they will be prepared to get them, but I suppose we will be favorites with the bookmakers. This match gives them another opportunity to pick up three important points and, once again, they feel very attainable.
In general, April seems like a crucial month. The two home games are great opportunities to get into the fight, but Aston Villa away will be difficult. Tottenham could be anything when we meet them and, for all we know, Forest could look safe or start to drift by April 24. But, as they say, whatever is, will be and I have absolute faith in continuing to do the Lads proud.