Of course another reason Sunderland should be hopeful of a positive result against the former Premier League champions is how the squad is far from fully built under Poyet and Lee Congerton. They are still in for at least another 3-4 players and some may sign by Sunday (in a perfect world) and what an introduction it would be for them in front of a sold out Stadium of Light. Against West Brom, Sunderland looked weak in defence as Vergini and Jones both missed the opener due to injury and this lead to Wes Brown moving to right-back and Roberge playing alongside O'Shea. If Sunderland can beat Newcastle to Micah Richards this would solve a big problem at the back and offer more options on the right hand side to help Adam Johnson, who was anonymous against The Baggies. The deadline for Fabio Borini may have passed by the time this article is published but hopefully Liverpool have identified and approached a replacement for Suarez, therefore allowing Fabio to come back to the club he blossomed under last season. If Sunderland could add Borini and Richards to the starting eleven by Sunday and have them both fit to play this would be a major boost for Poyet and his plans this season.
