Source: Daily_Mail
Andy Townsend's Boot Room: Steve Bruce could have the last laugh today
Steve Bruce managed to split the nation this week by giving the England man-of-the match award to David Beckham. Will the Sunderland boss have his sensible hat back on this weekend?[LNB]The first thing I said to him after the Belarus game was: 'Hold on, David Beckham?' He had a laugh about it but, as he joked, he couldn't give it to Crouchie because he turned him down in the summer! [LNB]Charming Beckham aside, what about the job Steve is doing at the Stadium of Light?[LNB]He was the perfect choice for Sunderland at the right time. He told me working with Niall Quinn is fantastic because he is a man who really understands the game. They are very ambitious but he feels that he is being left alone to build the football club.[LNB] Fantastic job: Bruce[LNB]There has been a lot of talk about Darren Bent, but what about Kenwyne Jones's return to form? [LNB]I have always liked Kenwyne, he is real handful. And Brucie said to me that maybe Kenwyne doesn't realise how good he can be. He is such a powerful player and who knows where he could end up? He has got that laid back attitude that I saw in Dwight Yorke.[LNB]Steve is being left to put the proper foundations in place and build up gradually isn't he?[LNB]I liken it a little bit to Aston Villa. They are going about their business in a quiet, understated fashion. Quinny and Brucie have carte blanche from the owner to run theclub properly and get it moving upwards. Owner Ellis Short is prepared to find the funds and that is a manager's dream.[LNB] Enlarge Have Sunderland got what it takes to beat Liverpool?[LNB]Sunderland will be very confident going into this game. There is no Gerrard or Torres and everybody starts to question Liverpool without those two. They have had plenty of internationals who have done a lot of travelling and are no doubt still feeling a little all over the place.[LNB]It is a great opportunity for Sunderland and I am sure Brucie will be urging his players to make a very fast start. Bent is looking sharp and Sunderland are a threat at set plays, which is an area where Liverpool have struggled. If Sunderland get in front then Liverpool could find it very difficult to peg them back. [LNB] Is Jamie Carragher becoming a weak link?[LNB]I think he needs a better player beside him. Agger is a decent player but Skrtel is a bit raw. Jamie is here, there and everywhere but when you get a bit older you start having to put your own game first. Jamie has not played as well as he can but you would see a better Jamie Carragher with a better centre half alongside. [LNB]Any stand out games this weekend?[LNB]It is great to have a Blackburn v Burnley derby back on the calendar. All the fans are telling me how much this game means to them, stretching back across the generations. I hope it is fiercely contested on the pitch but just banter on the terraces.[LNB] Rafa's crisis point: Liverpool's season facing ruin as Gerrard and Torres miss Sunderland clashArsenal look to bury the ghosts of Eduardo's horror injury as they entertain Birmingham: What do the key figures remember from that fateful day?[LNB] [LNB] Enlarge [LNB] Enlarge [LNB] Enlarge [LNB] Enlarge [LNB] Enlarge [LNB] Enlarge [LNB] Enlarge [LNB] Enlarge [LNB] Enlarge Rafa's crisis point: Liverpool's season facing ruin as Gerrard and Torres miss Sunderland clashArsenal look to bury the ghosts of Eduardo's horror injury as they entertain Birmingham: What do the key figures remember from that fateful day?[LNB] Explore more:People:Steve Bruce, Darren Bent, David Beckham, Niall Quinn, Jamie CarragherPlaces:Liverpool, United Kingdom
