Michael Beale has accepted that Sunderland’s match with Hull City is a ‘huge game’.
Michael Beale will lead Sunderland out in their first home game since a 3-0 loss to Newcastle United earlier this month, when Hull City travels north on Friday evening.
The Black Cats are looking for their third win in seven games under their new head coach, and they will be hungry to complete the double over the Tigers.
Sunderland only faced Hull on Boxing Day, and they won narrowly thanks to Jack Clarke’s late goal.
Three points for the hosts may put them back in the Championship play-offs, but defeat could drop them to mid-table after this weekend’s fixtures are completed.
With Hull having only won one of their last six games, Michael Beale understands how important this match is to both the club and his reputation.
Speaking to The Northern Echo, the 43-year-old stated, “It’s a big game.” It’s a squad we’ve recently played and defeated, and we need to get back to winning ways at home.
“We have two home games now (against Hull and Stoke). We want to improve our away form, but it’s critical that we pick ourselves up (at home) and recover quickly.”
Will Sunderland complete the double over Hull City?
Sunderland is currently only three points above 13th position, so failing to win Hull City on Friday night might be costly.
Supporters were unimpressed with Michael Beale’s appointment from the start, so if he just wins two games in his first seven, he might be in serious trouble.
If the Wearsiders begin to slip down the standings, it may mean doom for the Black Cats, whose once-exciting future looks increasingly grim with each passing week.
Sunderland should be thrashing both Hull and Stoke, with the Potters now in 17th place, yet they appear to struggle against the ‘underdogs’.
These two bouts had the potential to either jumpstart Michael Beale’s career or destroy it. One thing is certain: if Sunderland fails to overcome either opponent, the former Rangers manager will most likely be fired.
