This article is part of Football FanCast’s The Chalkboard series, which provides a tactical insight into teams, players, managers, potential signings and more…
With fans beginning to grow impatient it is important that Sunderland get back to winning ways against Gillingham in the FA Cup.
Phil Parkinson may have lost four of his first six games but he has enjoyed managing at home, in the main, and if the Black Cats can replicate the dominance they showed against Tranmere and Southend previously – with 17 and 18 shots against those teams respectively, they should progress.
Although they had a similar amount of shots in the two games, the scorelines reflected a much different story, and Parkinson’s side will have to get back to the clinical display they showed against Rovers if they are to pick up their form.
Those matches show that it is not really a question of creating chances, but finishing them. That’s where Will Grigg comes into play.
The Northern Ireland international has been a disappointment since his £4m January move with only seven goals in 41 games, and therefore he may have to start performing soon if he wants to retain his place in the side, starting on Sunday.
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Coming up against Max Ehmer promises to be a tough challenge, though, considering the defender’s form this season.
As per WhoScored, he has a good command of the defensive final third, with 5.3 aerial duels won per game and 4.6 clearances.
He will attempt to make life difficult for Grigg by marking him out of the game, and since the Northern Irishman feeds off the service from his teammates, he may struggle to get scoring opportunities.
The striker’s rate of key passes and successful dribbles underline that fact he is unable to create chances for himself, and shows he hasn’t been of much use to his team in terms of general play.
That means when he isn’t scoring – which he hasn’t been – he is arguably a bit of a hindrance to the attack, and Parkinson may consider dropping him and playing Chris Maguire further forward, as he has scored five goals and made 1.7 key passes per game.
Gillingham have conceded 20 league goals this term as well, so are shaky at the back, and if Grigg can escape the grasp of Ehmer he may be able to get back on the scoresheet.
