View from the Opposition – Sunderland

Sunderland Fanzine ‘A Love Supreme’ contributor Sam Lightle answers questions on Saturday’s game …..

A bit about you:

Despite my southern roots, my family originally comes from Ryhope, which is a small town in Sunderland. When I was a small 'bairn', I used to travel to Sunderland regularly to support the team before I got the opportunity to move to Wearside three years ago. 

Name: Sam Lightle.

Current home town:  Sunderland.

Birthplace: London.

How long have you supported your team? 

All my 20 years on this planet.

 Overview of your club:

The fans are the club. We travel in huge numbers and we carry the reputation of the club and the city. We are a passionate Premier League club.

Favourite thing about your home ground: 

The stewards… 

Favourite match played by your team & why: 

That's tricky. I've seen us beat Newcastle twice at their place and that was special. But just for the sheer occasion it has to be the semi-final v Man United last season. Phil Bardsley's strike in the last second almost put us to Wembley, before Javier Hernandez scored and then we finally won on penalties.

Favourite player of all time who played for your club: 

Kevin Phillips. Simple – clinical in front of goal. The greatest player never to have an England career.

About our forthcoming match against you:

If our defence is tight we'll create opportunities. Steven Fletcher has been lively in front of goal recently. But I'm aware of Leonardo Ulloa, who looks a real handful. I think it'll be a tight match.

Your favourite current player in your squad and why? 

Lee Cattermole, is a player full of passion. He is committed and a real battler. He is everything that defines Sunderland.

Player in your squad we should most fear and why? 

On his day Steven Fletcher is one of the best finishers in the Premier League. He has a great aerial ability and is also able to find the net with both feet.

Player in our squad you most fear and why? 

Like I said previously, Leonardo Ulloa looks dangerous. He seems to just come alive when the ball is in the area and his movement and timing is second to none.

Up and coming prospect in your squad? 

Someone who has caught my eye is Duncan Watmore. He's extremely quick, strong and glides past opponents. I don't think it'll be long before Gus Poyet brings him in to the first team set-up.

Where do you think you’ll finish this season?

12th

How do you think you’ll do against us?

1-1

Any other comments?

Enjoy the game and have a good season.