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 against the Tigers.
Sunderland only met Hull on Boxing Day, and they won narrowly courtesy to Jack Clarke’s late goal.
Three points for the hosts may put them back in the Championship play-offs, but loss could drop them to mid-table after this weekend’s fixtures are finished.
With Hull having only won one of their past six games, Michael Beale understands how crucial this match is to both the team 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 go 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 do the double over Hull City?
Sunderland presently just sit three points above 13th position, therefore failing to win Hull City on Friday night may be extremely expensive.
Supporters were unimpressed with Michael Beale’s hiring from the start, so if he just wins two games in his first seven, he might be in serious danger.
If the Wearsiders begin to slip down the standings, it may mean doom for the Black Cats, whose once-exciting future seems increasingly grim with each passing week.
Sunderland should be thrashing both Hull and Stoke, with the Potters now in 17th position, 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.