The Battle of the Keepers!

Both MON and Roy Keane know a good goalkeeper when they see one. They both played with goalkeepers who were the best of their day. MON played with Peter Shilton and Keane with Peter Schmeichel. So it was probably no surprise when the two managers locked horns and went into battle to sign Craig Gordon from Hearts at the start of the season. MON obviously lost that one but was quick to bounce back and sign the equally exciting Scott Carson.
    These days the Shiltons and the Schmeichels are few and far between!! Both managers believe that they have excellent young pretenders for the current premiership goal keeping throne.
    So we will have Scotland's 'Number One' versus England's 'Number One', what an intriguing battle that will be provide for us. Both keepers are out to prove that they are over their international disappointments and this should make for an interesting afternoon with the pundits making their own comparisons.
    Craig has been missing from the Sunderland line up for the last two games, but I am sure that he will be playing in this match against the Villa. I am certain that Scotty Carson will be up for the battle and will give a good account of himself. Come on Scotty let's have another clean sheet!!!!
    Over the past few seasons Villa have struggled to beat the 'lower' placed teams. This season Villa appear to have come to terms with this and results against the 'strugglers' have been positive.
    It's time for us to bounce back after two consecutive home defeats and let's hope that the match at Sunderland can provide a springboard to a good Xmas period for the Villa boys.
    With a manager like Roy Keane, Sunderland are never going to roll over without a fight. The pace of the Villa forwards will be difficult for the Sunderland back four to handle.
    Villa are an excellent away team this year and I expect this match to be a tight affair with Villa coming out winners 2-1.
    Let the 'battle of the keepers' commence.

Come on you Villa boys!!!!