Michael Beale has admitted that Sunderland’s clash with Hull City is a very ‘big game’.
Michael Beale will lead Sunderland out in their first home match since the 3-0 defeat to Newcastle United earlier this month, as Hull City make the trip north on Friday evening.
The Black Cats are on the hunt for their third win in seven games under the new head coach, while they will be eager to do the double over The Tigers.
Sunderland only faced Hull on Boxing Day and claimed a narrow win thanks to a late goal from Jack Clarke.
Three points for the hosts could see them move back into the Championship play-off positions, but defeat could potentially leave them mid-table once this weekend’s fixture list is completed.
With Hull claiming only one win in their last six games, Michael Beale is well aware how important this match is to the club and his reputation.
Speaking to The Northern Echo, the 43-year-old said: “It’s a big game. It’s a team we’ve played recently and beat, and it’s important we get back to winning ways at home.
“We’ve got two home games now (against Hull and Stoke). Our away form is an area we want to improve, but it’s important we dust ourselves down (at home) and bounce back strongly.”
Will Sunderland do the double over Hull City?
Sunderland currently only sit three points above 13th place, so failure to beat Hull City on Friday night could be very costly.
Supporters failed to get on board with Michael Beale’s appointment right from the off, so if he only manages to claim two wins in his first seven games then he could be in real trouble.
If the Wearsiders begin to drop down the table then it could spell disaster for the Black Cats, with their once exciting future looking more and more bleak each week.
Sunderland should really be beating both Hull and Stoke, with the Potters currently sat in 17th place, but this team do seem to struggle against the ‘underdogs’.
These two matches could kickstart Michael Beale’s time here, or it could make him crumble. One things for sure, if Sunderland fail to beat either visitor, then the former Rangers boss will likely be hounded out.