Joe Nicholson has claimed that Sunderland could have a problem on Saturday against Millwall given their opponents’ height and ability in the air.
Sunderland are about to finally get Championship football back underway this weekend when they welcome Millwall to the Stadium of Light before a full round of fixtures come about next week, but it might not be all good news.
This is because Millwall pose a very serious threat in the air and specifically from set pieces having netted 15 times, a league-high, whereas Sunderland are yet to score from a set piece in the league, meaning it could be a bit of a mismatch.
Nicholson was informed on The Roar podcast by fellow journalist Alex Grace, that Millwall will punish Sunderland if they give away set pieces in dangerous areas, which left him rather worried.
He said: “That’s not great news for Sunderland, as they’ve struggled from set pieces. They’ve not got a very big side, although they’ve possibly got some players back – Ellis Simms, the Sunderland striker, came back before the break, so he’s a useful player to have when defending set pieces as well, and may have Aji Alese back as well, who’s an aerial presence.
“But Sunderland have definitely struggled in that area.”
Will Sunderland beat Millwall?
Yes!
No!
TIF Thoughts on Sunderland’s set-piece woes…
The fact Sunderland are yet to score a single goal from set pieces shows just how poor they are at attacking the ball, in both boxes, and now they are coming up against the best in the league, they must be extra cautious.
Sunderland have enjoyed an indifferent season having won just twice in their last six games, but have had to deal with a boatload of injuries so they will likely be a different outfit after this winter break.
Mowbray will obviously know about Millwall’s threat so will have been drilling it into his players this week leading up to the game to stay on their feet and not give away needless fouls, otherwise, it could turn into a long afternoon on Wearside.