After victories and clean sheets against Aston Villa and Bournemouth, Keith Andrews is eager to take his men to face Sunderland. He hopes the squad shall "feed off" the vibe of a passionate arena.
‘A really passionate part of the world’
Andrews is excited about fighting for three points at the **Stadium of Light**on Saturday afternoon.
"I cannot wait for it. This is a traditional ground and, with the journey they've been on as a football club, having dipped down one or two divisions at times, they have a fanbase so passionate and engaged. I'm really looking forward to the atmosphere and I know our players will feed off that."
The Irishman has experience of being at the ground as a player, so he expects a fervent fanbase.
"I've been there as a player and as an observer of games, and I'm big into the history of football clubs and what way clubs are wired, with the fans and what it means to the local community.”
The hosts have also been absent from the Premier League since a dramatic double demotion to the **Championship**in 2017 and League One in 2018. Now, they are bouncing to be back in the big time.
“Sunderland* is a really passionate part of the world; they've had some tough days in recent years, but they're now on an upward trajectory. So I'm very aware of what we'll face on Saturday afternoon. I'm really looking forward to the atmosphere and I know our players will feed off that.”*
‘A group that is really committed’
The Black Cats command respect on the field. In an active transfer window, they have followed through on a £19.3 million deal for Enzo La Fee, bought Habib Diarra for £30 million, Simon Adingra for £21 million, and Noah Sadiki for £17.5 million, substantively renewing their midfield.
On top of that were experienced additions in Nordi Mukiele from PSG and Granit Xhaka, the club captain, from Bayer Leverkusen. They showed the best of their talent in a 3-0 win over West Ham.
“They can be very, very dangerous. They've also signed some really good players and added quality to their squad, whilst keeping the core of what got them into the division, with that team spirit. It's clear that they're a group really committed to what they're trying to do, with and without the ball.”
A 2-0 loss to **Burnley**was a battle of two teams promoted from the Championship. It was a close contest only settled in the second half, and there is nothing to suggest an easy away day for the Bees.
"The Burnley game was always going to be intense - it was two newly-promoted teams and a big game for both of them. They're a team we will treat with the utmost respect."
‘Nothing has changed’
Gustavo Nunes, Vitaly Janelt, and Paris Maghoma are all closer to full fitness after injury layoffs.
Jordan Henderson was absent from midweek action, but he should be fit to feature on the weekend.
However, Yoane Wissa will not be part of the trip to the North-East. The striker has been a target for Sunderland's rivals, Newcastle United, and he has been tempted to try to replace Alexander Isak.
Andrews is keen to hold onto the **Congo**international. After the exit of Bryan Mbeumo to Man United, he is the best source of goals. Wissa is back in training, but the saga still is in the balance.
"Nothing has changed in terms of my stance. There has been no movement. I’ll focus on the group that’s settled and doesn’t have issues ongoing. I have spoken a lot about the level of respect I have for Yoane, and what we say to each other will remain between us. He’s training. The football club wants to hold on to Yoane. The player he is, the person he is, I certainly don’t want to lose him."