This weekend Sunderland Athletic Football Club take on MK Dons in the Football League One. It would be a huge opportunity for Phil Parkinson’s side to push into a playoff spot, with the side being just one point behind sixth-place Burton Albion with a game in hand. Burton don’t play this weekend, meaning a draw or win will place Sunderland above them. Granted, a draw might not be enough to get them into a playoff spot if a few other teams manage to win, but all three points will guarantee Sunderland a place in the top six. Luckily for Sunderland, MK Dons are currently in 19th place.
One player who could have a massive impact on Sunderland’s ability to win is Chris Maguire. Roker Report writer Patrick Hollis wrote an article about the midfielder this week. He claims that the player’s rise in form since Aiden McGeady left the squad has been far from coincidental. Fans could hardly disagree. They think he looks fitter as well, and believe he is beginning to get back to his best brand of football.
He certainly looks a whole lot fitter that’s for sure..
— oldhettonian ???? (@downy100) January 15, 2020
I always said he is the main Wheel.
— The Baz. (@paulbasnett10) January 15, 2020
Mcgeady clearly was the bully and unfit and i guess maguire probs felt he had to join in
— Rhys William (@lincolnSAFC) January 15, 2020
I think he is at his best, that free kick last game was sublime. The test is can he remain at this level consistently ?
— Darren Walkinshaw (@Sptharry) January 15, 2020
Do you believe McGeady's absence has been the main contributor to Sunderland's uplift?
No
Yes
Others claim the whole team is benefiting from McGeady’s absence. Another hopes Will Grigg is inspired to find his best form as well.
There’s been an upturn in the entire team. Was he really that much of a bully, or has it been a case of any other bullying has been squashed by Parky doing this too?
— Neil Chandler (@ChandlerDBA) January 15, 2020
Now to get Will Grigg on fire
— Alexander DavisTRUMP (@ADavisTRUMPWON) January 15, 2020
What do we think?
If Maguire can find a new lease of life, so can everyone else on the Sunderland team. The supporters are convinced that McGeady was the problem the whole time and that his absence will only mean good news for the Black Cats. If the side manages to win this weekend, it will surely be time for Sunderland fans to start getting their hopes up for a playoff run.