Three Huge Fixtures – Defining Sunderland’s European Dream

Three important fixtures are in the near future for the Lads, as the results of these games will more than likely define our European dreams. There has been an awful lot of discourse around our chances of securing a European spot since we secured safety and it has never been so prominent than in these next three. I have quite a relaxed view of this specific debate, to be honest.

Of course, Europe would be a brilliant achievement that would be terrific for the players, fans and the club but if it comes to the end of the season and we don’t end up with a continental tournament spot secured, then I would still be pleased with how the season went. This has been the best season I have had supporting Sunderland and one that I will never forget – especially if we get results in the next three games. Our first opponent is Tottenham Hotspur, who are in complete turmoil.

Teetering on the edge of the relegation zone, Spurs are submerged in one of their worst ever seasons. They haven’t won a league game since December, the players appear to be giving up the ghost and the manager’s seat in the dugout is scalding hot. A few days ago, this game would have been a lot more predictable.

Igor Tudor got zero joy from the squad and the supporters couldn’t see where the next win was going to come from. Now they have pivoted quickly onto Roberto De Zerbi, our meet-up a less predictable and much tougher game, I reckon. Presumably, their players will have woken up from the relegation sleepwalk and will be looking to both impress the manager and actually put some effort into staying in the league.