Joe Nicholson believes that Ellis Simms potentially returning to the Sunderland starting lineup could be huge for the Black Cats.
Simms has had a tough time of things this season following his summer arrival on loan from Everton having missed seven games already due to a toe injury, but when fit, he’s been a reliable man in front of goal for Sunderland.
The on-loan striker has three goals in just seven league starts for the Black Cats and he’s featured in their last two games, albeit just by coming off the bench, so he could now finally be ready to start a game after getting minutes into his legs.
Nicholson has claimed on The Roar podcast that Simms’ possible return could be a major boost for Tony Mowbray and Sunderland this weekend.
(11:00) “Sunderland have definitely had their problems from set pieces playing with a very small side, although Ellis Simms is back from an injury, so he could start perhaps against Cardiff and that would be a big boost for Sunderland.”
Will Sunderland beat Cardiff?
Yes!
No!
TIF Thoughts on Simms’ return…
Nicholson was likely alluding to Simms’ height being a boost for the Black Cats as they have struggled from set pieces according to the journalist, but also just having a focal point would be massive for Mowbray’s side.
This is because, since the injuries to both Simms and Ross Stewart, Sunderland have had to play with false nines in the form of Jack Clarke and Amadou Diallo over the last few weeks which has seen their results take a hit.
Simms getting his first start since September and it being at the Stadium of Light could be just what Sunderland need to record back-to-back wins in the league and start looking up the table once again.