After Sunderland's miraculous comeback last week against Swansea, we spoke to Jez from the Beyond The Barclay Podcast to preview the SoL's last home game of 2024...
Norwich are 12th in the league with six wins, eight draws and seven defeats. What’s been the story of your season?
Consistently inconsistent! we have had a few games at Carrow Road where we have dismantled teams (Watford 4-0, Hull 4-1, Plymouth 6-1) but then rocked up to QPR and lost 3-0. We’ve been unlucky with injuries and suspensions, losing key players like Josh Sargent and Kenny McLean for large portions. The team are still adapting to a new way of playing and new thinking of our new manager.
Is play-offs still the aim at this point?
Yes - certainly the aim, but for the points mentioned above I’m not sure how realistic that will be. We need to be more consistent in the second half of the season, be lucky with injuries and invest in the playing squad in January if we’re to stand any chance.
What do you think of manager Johannes Hoff Thorup?
Very honest. He’s chopped and changed and still hasn’t really found his best starting 11, particularly the full backs and right wing. I like how he handles the media and has already come out with some corkers. Very highly-rated young manager who did wonders with his previous team FC Nordsjælland in his native Denmark, you can see snippets of what he is trying to do in games, passing out from back, inviting pressure and then quick counters. We need to see more of it and I believe it will come.
Borja Sainz is your top scorer, and in fact the league’s top scorer, with 15 goals in 21 games. That’s incredible, what kind of player is he?
Clearly there is something there, has scored some absolute worldies this season, pick of the bunch being a 25-yard strike at Cardiff that was past the keeper before he saw it. He plays on the left hand side cutting in, he does have the tendency to be petulant if things aren’t going his way however but luckily they’ve gone more for him than not this season.
Other than Sainz who are some of your best players?
Josh Sargent, as previously mentioned, if wasn’t so injury prone could be prolific at this level. Kenny McLean, our club captain, does a certain job which is required (four managers have now consistently picked him). Marcelino Nunez is an extremely talented centre midfielder, so he's also worth a mention. Plus, I’ve been impressed with Jose Cordoba this season.
Callum Doyle impressed as a 17-year-old on loan at Sunderland a few years back, what do your fans think of him?
He is impressive and can operate at both left back and centre back. Scored a cracking goal earlier on this season, will do a job in the Premier League in a few years.
Which Sunderland player worries you the most?
Wilson Isidor’s stats look impressive but Jobe Bellingham and Dennis Cirkin have had good seasons as well. Despite a downturn in form recently I think you’ve played well as a team, it's good to see Sunderland back up there!
What’s your score prediction for the game? Goalscorers?
Would love to be confident but our away form hasn’t been great this season and there’s a chance our number one keeper won’t be playing due to suspension. So, 3-0 with Bellingham (2) and Cirkin scoring.
Finally, where do you predict both sides to finish this season?
We will finish comfortably midtable in what will be classed as a transitional season probably 14th, I think Sunderland will sustain it and finish 5th. Would you guys take that?
