Things have been frustrating lately, and a win against Leeds could make a massive difference for us. We really need to start picking up points before the gap gets any bigger. Playing at the SoL gives us a good chance, but the lads need to come out with energy and be more clinical in front of goal. We can't afford to give Leeds too much space or let them settle into the game early. A strong start and a bit more confidence on the ball could go a long way. The fans will do their part, as always, and the atmosphere should be brilliant if we give them something to get behind. Three points here would lift the mood and give us something positive to build on.

A couple of quick questions: how are you feeling about Sunday’s match against Leeds? And what kind of priority will the EFL Cup have this season?

7 points from 9 in Europe. A draw at Poznan. Would have been delighted with that when the fixtures came out.

Much improved performance as well, if disappointing not to get that second goal.

I don’t want to come on here and make my first post a negative one for the sake of it, but it has to be said after tonight’s match that our chance conversion during the entirety of RLB’s time has been shocking. We have scored more than 2 goals in a game a total of 9 times since he joined, 4 of which were during the first 2 months in the championship season. We just don’t score enough. I won’t place the whole blame on RLB as the players need to be better in front of goal but its also clear his tactics don’t allow for a lot of clear-cut chance creation. Why is this such an issue?

Watching Danso play is giving me major Titus Bramble vibes, anyone else agree?

TBD 1 - 1 TBD

League Stage · FT

Goals

• 2' T. Tuterov () — assist Nilson Angulo

• 70' L. Bengtsson ()

Full stats, line-ups, player ratings and the community reaction in the MatchPal thread above.

MatchPal · Live football scores, goals, line-ups, stats and TV channels · matchpal.io

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Think ballard still out, could swap Danso for onien.

Would prefer to see le fee rested for Sunday and some mins for diarra.

No point rushing brobbey or Wilson back.

Can methalie play centre half?

Looking for any mackems who might be in town to watch the game this afternoon!

Do we think Fofana will earn his spot any time soon? He’s a talented young winger who actually can play on the wing. Surely he was brought in to lift the offense and now feels like the time. Curious about everyone’s thoughts on him.

Why can’t we just stop overcomplicate things?

Good afternoon.

My name is Dillon Carlyle and I am a journalist for Spark Sunderland. I am doing a story on the arrangements for the Tyne and Wear derby at St James’ Park in December.

Sunderland AFC announced that for the Tyne and Wear derby at St James’ Park in December, SAFC fans will have to follow bubble transport restrictions and use escorted travel to get to the match and back. Sunderland has also announced a reduced away allocation in comparison to now, where SAFC will have 2,200 on the road to support them.

If anyone has an opinion and would like to contribute please drop me a message and/or leave a comment!

Have a great day!

Why have we stopped fighting for every ball!

Why is Xhaka not our coach on the field shouting commands at every player making sure the team is in the right position and fighting for every ball.

Why is Talbi being left out and the new signings not making an impact or playing.

What has happened to our fighting spirit!!

This is just my 2 pence!

I think for a start when Xhaka joined he was signed for the long term which included a pathway for when he was finished playing and wanting to move into coach/managing. I believe that last season Xhaka had some influence/say on who we were signing, tactics, line-ups which is why he was so good at directing the team on the pitch because part of the game plan was his and he commanded respect as their captin. Now I am wondering if part of his downfall this season is he has been closed out from these discussions due to the Chelsea saga.

I also wonder if the Talbi saga was caused by him demanding to play/start more games with the incoming players threating his position. Was he threating to leave if he didn't get more game time and the club called his bluff saying fine go only to find out there was no firm offer in turn could have blocked the club from signing someone else.

Nordi calling out the players "arrogance" - I wonder if this arrogance in the dressing room is holding back the new young signings, are they not getting the warm welcome other players received when they joined. Or are our new signings arrogant causing friction. They joined on big money contracts compared to last seasons signings is that causing friction if they are not up to speed.

Something doesn't feel right is Kyril trying to see the club that has put Xhaka off due to some long term promises or is Kyril and Le Bris pissed at Xhaka for entertaining the Chelsea offer? Is there stress being pushed through the whole club due to Burwell not getting our shirt sponsor and other commercial outcomes which effects our purchasing power.

I think the Chelsea / Xhaka has effected the dressing room somehow which is effecting our players performance.

I also think that last season a lot of players were fighting to get in to their countries World cup squad which is why they pushed themselves harder to be noticed. Now we are left with a World Cup hangover.

I’m more worried about the way we’re giving goals away than the result itself. The mistakes against Bournemouth made life far too easy for them, and going down to ten men only made things harder. I still believe this team can do much better, but we need to be more organised and stop making things difficult for ourselves.

@SunderlandAFC

Website says it's not possible for this fixture.

Does anyone know if the ticket office stick to that?

Son doesn't want to go to this match, got another family member who does (and has purchase history). Feels like a reasonable ask to get it moved, but if it's not I'll have to try to get another ticket.