Sunderland go up against Luton Town on Wednesday night in a battle between promotion contenders and relegation fighters. But it’ll be far from a one-sided game.
Sunderland welcome Luton Town to the Stadium of Light for what promises to be another tough home encounter, and the Hatters will no doubt be buoyed by the Black Cats’ recent struggles at home.
In recent weeks, the Black Cats have draw at home to bottom club Plymouth Argyle, then drawing against Watford in their last outing with both games ending 2-2.
After the Watford game, Sunderland remain in 4th place of the Championship table but are now seven points behind leaders Leeds United and five behind 2nd place Sheffield United.
Games like the Luton Town one are absolute must-wins for the Black Cats. Regis Le Bris can’t afford any more dropped points against teams low down in the table. But his plans for the Hatters might play into their hands.
Regis Le Bris intends to maintain Sunderland style vs Luton Town
Speaking to the press on Tuesday, a main talking point was the physicality of the Sunderland side. In the lats two home games against Plymouth and Watford, the Black Cats have lacked a bit of steel. That was more evident against Watford with Jobe Bellingham absent.
And although Bellingham is set to return against Luton Town, lacking physicality has been an issue for Sunderland all throughout the campaign. And with their momentum having dwindled a bit in recent weeks, they might not be able to count on their sheer quality to get through what is going to be another gruelling game.
But that’s the plan for Le Bris, or rather the hope. He explained in his pre-match presser: “We have to play our best football against a good side. They will focus on their strengths. They are direct but we want to be consistent with our identity.”
Sunderland and Regis Le Bris simply have to be more adaptable
Sunderland got a good win over Luton Town earlier in the season. That was a really physical battle but one that the Black Cats came through with shining colours.
But the team that faced Luton that day was different to what we’ll se on Wednesday night; there was Alan Browne in the midfield who, although a fairly slight player is someone with that physical edge for sure, as well as a fully fit Jobe Bellingham and an in form Romaine Mundle.
Whilst Sunderland certainly have the more quality than Luton, they have to be more adaptable against teams who’ll come to Wearside and poise that physical threat.
Sunderland have more quality than Plymouth and Watford but they couldn’t get through those games. Le Bris does deserve praise for wanting to stick to a style of play that is good to watch, but there’s a time and place to be adaptable and to break the mould somewhat.
Wednesday night is that time and place. Bellingham possibly returning doesn’t all of a sudden make Sunderland better able to deal with the likes of Luton. There needs to be more, and changes to the style overall.