Source: Daily_Mail
Premier League preview: Sunderland
The more games Steve Bruce loses, the more Mackems recall his Geordie roots.[LNB]At one stage last term, when 14 games without a win ruined a promising start, he might as well have been stood on the touchline humming the Blaydon Races andreading Viz.[LNB]To heighten the pressure, he has brought former Newcastle defender Bramble to the club this summer. Bruce needs signs of improvement in his second season at the helm with the return of the Tyne-Wear derby fixture.[LNB]A win at Newcastle in October won't do any harm...[LNB] Black Cats purring: There were some highlights last season - but not enough[LNB]Boss's toughest jobBalancing the attack. Without Darren Bent's 25 goals last season, Sunderland would have sunk. [LNB]Steve Bruce cannot rely on one striker to see them out of trouble again.[LNB]Hiccup on horizonHost of expensive signings with not much resale value: Bent, Ferdinand, Bramble, Jones, Reid, Tainio. [LNB]More cash needed, which may be unrealistic.[LNB]The numbers game5 - The number of goals Sunderland have scored in their last nine opening-dayfixtures[LNB]9 - The record number of players sent off in the season [LNB]Alternative sponsorThe Beach Boys - And don't forget to bring the balls![LNB]Ins/Outs In - Cristian Riveros (Cruz Azul, undisclosed), Simon Mignolet (St Truidense, undisclosed), Ahmed Al-Muhammadi (ENPPI, loan), Titus Bramble (Wigan, £1m), Marcos Angeleri (Estudiantes, undisclosed)[LNB]Out - Lorik Cana (Galatasaray, £5m), Daryl Murphy (Celtic, free), Nyron Nosworthy (Sheff Utd, loan), Marton Fulop (Ipswich, undisclosed), Roy O'Donovan (Coventry, free)[LNB] Plugging the gaps: Sunderland's leaky defence let them down last term - hence the arrival of Titus Bramble from Wigan[LNB]Keep an eye out forRyan Noble Age: 18 Position: Striker[LNB]Prolific scorer topping the goal charts for both the reserves and the club's U18 side in recent seasons, tipped to break into the senior squad.[LNB]Fan's viewPaul Herron: A top 10 finish would be great. It would be nice do something in theLeague Cup as well.[LNB]Fans' websitewww.blackcatsnews.com[LNB]Sportsmail's lowdown on all the Premier League teams
