Sunderland v Stoke City - Follow LIVE Text Commentary

01 February 2010 19:20

Sunderland v Stoke City

Follow every kick as Sunderland take on Stoke City in the Premier League
on 01-Feb-2010, kick off time 20:00

Sunderland v Stoke City Live

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Sunderland host Stoke City on Monday evening looking to end a dismal run of form which has seen them go nine Premier League games without a victory.

The Black Cats' latest outing saw them beaten 2-0 at Everton in midweek and boss Steve Bruce pulled no punches following the Goodison Park reverse.

He said: "The first half-an-hour was nowhere near the standard of what we need to be in the Premier League.

"We have to be a bit more resilient than that. We have to show better attitude than what we showed.

"We've been on an awful run, but we've got back-to-back home games which will define our season."

The loss also came at the expense of fresh injuries to midfield duo Lee Cattermole and Kieran Richardson, who were both forced off against the Toffees, while Phil Bardsley (hamstring), Michael Turner (knee) and Anton Ferdinand (ankle) all remain sidelined.

Matthew Kilgallon will continue in defence after making his debut in midweek.

The Potters head north boosted by a 3-1 FA Cup fourth round victory over Arsenal last time out.

Tony Pulis' side will also hope to have tied up a loan move for Portsmouth's England international goalkeeper David James, although an injury suffered in training means that he is not likely to feature at the Stadium of Light.

Pulis also has a fully-fit squad to choose from, with key defender Abdoulaye Faye having shaken off a calf strain.

Strike duo Ricardo Fuller and Mamady Sidibe are likely to start again after being described by Pulis as 'absolutely outstanding' in the win over the Gunners.

Of his side's display in that game, Pulis added: "The spirit was absolutely fantastic once again. In the time that I have been back at the club, nobody could ever question the spirit and togetherness."

Source: DSG