ECHOSPORT talks to Sunderland fan Graham Falk ahead of tomorrow’s game.

What have you made of the season so far?

“Horrendously underwhelming, but perhaps not unexpected. Going up is vital for Sunderland this season, and after the play-off defeat Stewart Donald said the club would be aiming for 100 points in some sort of misguided rallying call.

"It made sense at the time, but once again we didn’t address our weaknesses in the summer transfer window.

"We only lost five games in total last year in the League, and we’ve lost four already and that 100 points aim is used as a stick to better Stewart, and maybe rightly so.

"The club is now well and truly a League One club. Aiden McGeady hitting a car in the Oxford car park this week felt like we’d truly arrived at League One level.”

What are the hopes for this season?

“Hopes? Mine are long gone. We have to go up this year, but we were far stronger last year.

"We’d have gone back up if we’d kept Josh Maja, but he’s long gone and we still haven’t replaced him despite spending loads of money on Will Grigg.

"Not only that, we’ve developed problems elsewhere. We’ll be lucky to reach the play-offs and I’m not sure I can handle Wembley again.”

What are the early impressions of Phil Parkinson?

“Honestly? I might get shot at for this but I don’t see any difference from him to Jack Ross, in fact it’s got even worse, losing three out of his first four.

“There will be people who say I’m being harsh as we’ve been more attacking than we were under Ross, but I only care about results and they’ve been shocking so far.

“We needed inspiration and a name with authority and Phil Parkinson feels like a weekend in Butlins!”

Who is the dangerman?

"He's out of form but Aiden McGeady will tear any full back to pieces on his day.

"Luke O'Nien is always consistent and George Dobson had a good game in midweek and is getting better game on game.

"Don't worry to much about the rest of them."

What's the team news?

"Lynden Gooch, Lee Burge and Charlie Wyke are the only casualties, but Gooch may be fit.

"Duncan Watmore had a break mid week so should return."