Talking Tactics | Sunderland v Swansea City
Swansea City head to Wearside this weekend to face Sunderland at the Stadium of Light on Saturday (3pm KO).
Ahead of the trip, WhoScored.com preview the clash, looking at what to expect from Sunderland, the key battle and a key stat.
What to expect from Sunderland
The hosts come into this fixture on the back of successive defeats, against Huddersfield (1-0) and Birmingham (2-1), which were enough to bring a close to Michael Beale’s reign as manager.
The former Rangers boss took charge of just 12 games at Sunderland, returning a points-per-game ratio of 1.17.
Mike Dodds will take over from Beale until the end of the season and will be in charge of the Black Cats for the welcome of Swansea this weekend.
Despite a recent dip in form, Sunderland’s home record has been pretty strong, with three wins in the last five at the Stadium of Light.
Sunderland have set up in a 4-1-4-1 shape most frequently this season, particularly recently, with Jack Clarke and Patrick Roberts wide and Mason Burstow the sole striker.
WhoScored.com’s statistically-developed strengths for Sunderland include attacking set-pieces and creating chances through individual skill. In fact, Sunderland have completed more successful dribbles than any other side in the Championship (369). The host’s creativity with the ball is certainly one of their key strengths.
Key Battle
The stand-out player for Sunderland this season has been Jack Clarke. The 23-year-old has featured in every Championship match this season and has more than contributed his fair share. However, he is a doubt for this weekend’s game owing to a foot injury sustained against Birmingham.
The tricky forward has been the league’s best dribbler this season, having successfully completed 31 more than any other player in the SkyBet Championship.
He has also been Sunderland’s key man in front of goal with 15 goals and four assists to his name this season, this highest of any of his colleagues.
His form this season has seen Clarke receive nine Player of the Match awards, a total that only Leeds United’s Crysencio Summerville can top (12).
If he is fit, Swansea will need to limit Clarke’s influence.
But, even if the former Tottenham man is absent, Swansea will still need to be prepared against a Sunderland side that likes to attack with energy and width.
That responsibility is likely to fall upon experienced right-back Kyle Naughton and Ronald on that particular flank.
Since signing for Swansea in January, Ronald is averaging two tackles per game, ranking second in Luke Williams’ squad.
Going forward, the 22-year-old has also proven that he is comfortable with the ball at his feet and keen to take on his man – completing seven dribbles from his opening five appearances for Swansea.
The battle in wide areas may well prove to be key in the final analysis.
Key Stat
The reverse fixture between these two sides ended in a goalless draw, and recent history does give reason for Swans fans to be positive about the trip to the Stadium of Light.
Swansea are undefeated in 12 of their last 13 matches against Sunderland in all competitions, including three wins and three draws from the last six at the Stadium of Light.