Michael Beale may just be seven games into his reign at Sunderland but he has already learned that he has considerable work to do to win over supporters.
Boos rung out as Sunderland went down 1-0 at home to Hull City on January 19, the Black Cats having lost three games in a row since collecting seven points from nine across the Christmas and New Year period.
Forming a solid opinion on Beale at this stage is harsh given that he has only been at the North-East outfit for a month, yet he would have understood the scenario before accepting the role.
Despite collecting just seven points from a possible 18 in the Championship, Beale will feel that overcoming the five-point deficit to fifth-placed West Bromwich Albion is more than achievable.
While Sunderland have won eight of their 14 fixtures at the Stadium of Light in 2023-24, they have also lost six times. Only four teams have lost on more occasions on familiar territory in the Championship this season.
That record will leave Steven Schumacher sensing an opportunity for his Stoke side as he bids to move his new club away from the relegation zone.
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Sitting eight points clear of the drop zone, the Potters can feel safe for the time being, particularly having recently put together a seven-game undefeated streak.
However, Stoke must find a way to bounce back from last weekend’s 2-1 reverse at home to Birmingham City, a defeat that prevented them from moving into 15th spot.
On a plus note, though, the Staffordshire-based outfit are four games unbeaten on their travels, while they have conceded just 19 times in their 14 away fixtures
