Adam Bate looks at how the Black Cats can cause an upset in the Capital One Cup final on Sunday.
Ben Watson's stoppage-time header delivered one of the great cup stories last season as little Wigan Athletic saw off mighty Manchester City to win the FA Cup. Now it's Sunderland hoping to stop the City juggernaut as they visit Wembley for the Capital One Cup final.
Of course, it won't just be those in the Sunderland dressing room discussing the events of last May. City's stars will surely be determined to ensure that history does not repeat itself. It is a huge ask for Sunderland to recreate Wigan's stylish efforts, but having already seen off Chelsea and Manchester United in this cup run, there are ways in which they can at least boost their chances. Adam Bate looks at six steps to spark Sunderland optimism...
Cattermole to provide the bite
Sunderland didn't exactly warm up in style for the big game with a sloppy display as they were hammered 4-1 by Arsenal last weekend. Three goals down by half-time, Gus Poyet's men were never in it. "You need to be smart enough to slow down the game and organise," said Poyet afterwards. "You have to be patient and press the ball, but we didn't."
Indeed, perhaps the most alarming aspect to the defeat was that Sunderland were not only outplayed but outfought as Arsenal's slick stars were allowed to dance through the Black Cats midfield. That's exactly the sort of football that the returning Lee Cattermole will be out to stop. The midfielder was rested for the trip to the Emirates Stadium with the cup final in mind.
Poyet even suggested that the 25-year-old was omitted over fears that referee Andre Marriner would send him off against the Gunners and while the result sparked debate as to the wisdom of that decision, few would argue the manager's concerns were groundless. Sunderland have the most red cards of any team in the Premier League this season, with Cattermole among the culprits.
However, the midfield bite that Cattermole can provide is exactly the sort of approach Poyet must put his faith in at Wembley. Breaking up City's fluid passing game will be essential if his team are to prevail. "If there is one player starting next week, it is Lee Cattermole," said Poyet after the disappointment of the Arsenal result. "The rest at the moment are substitutes."
Recall Giaccherini
Poyet continued: "No one has put them on the sheet for next week. No one. Everything I had in mind for next week is gone in 90 minutes, gone completely, so we start from zero." That's good news for winger Emanuele Giaccherini as the summer signing tries to force his way into the starting line-up following his return from injury.
The Italy international made an encouraging comeback in the FA Cup win over Southampton and his consolation goal at Arsenal might well have swayed Poyet's thinking. That could be crucial to Sunderland's hopes for a couple of reasons. Not only would a fit and in-form Giaccherini help the side, but his inclusion could see Fabio Borini move to his favoured central striker role. And that presents particularly intriguing possibilities against City...
Expose City's lack of pace at the back
Martin Demichelis has become something of a focal point for concerned City supporters with his unconvincing performances. However, the full horror of his display against Barcelona was a little overplayed. In fact, the Argentine succeeded in
