Alious
Former Sunderland manager and ex-England boss Sam Allardyce believes the Black Cats are still on course for a top-six finish, even though the upcoming Africa Cup of Nations could strip the squad of several key players. Sunderland may be without up to seven stars — Habib Diarra, Noah Sadiki, Arthur Masuaku, Reinildo, Bertrand Traoré, Chemsdine Talbi, and Simon Adingra — a situation Allardyce bluntly described as a “disaster” for the club.
Speaking on the No Tippy Tappy Football podcast by Footy Accumulators and BOYLE Sports, Allardyce joined former Sunderland defender Wes Brown to discuss the club’s unexpected rise in the Premier League and the serious AFCON disruption looming over their season.
Allardyce criticised the lack of a winter break, arguing it increases injury risks and puts added strain on players:
> “The old way of shutting the league down has gone. They should never have got rid of the winter break. Welfare is more dangerous than ever.”
Despite the challenges, Brown was full of admiration for Sunderland’s electric start to life back in the Premier League. He praised the team’s energy, cohesion, and connection with the fans, noting that the newly promoted side has far exceeded expectations:
> “They’ve been brilliant. You can feel the energy between the squad, the manager, and the crowd.”
Sunderland’s ambitious summer overhaul — spending over £130 million** after their dramatic playoff promotion — has also earned praise. Allardyce highlighted their improved recruitment and singled out midfield leader Granit Xhaka as the glue holding the team together, praising his leadership and Premier League experience:
> “He’s controlling everything. He’s as good as, if not better than, he was at Arsenal.”
While Brown believes a top-six finish is possible but difficult, he said the squad will be full of belief as long as they maintain momentum:
> “There are teams who haven’t hit form yet. But the players will be thinking, ‘Why not? Why can’t we?’”
Allardyce, who managed both Sunderland and Newcastle, was also asked whether fans would rather finish in the top six or finish above their rivals. His answer was simple — they’ll want both. He recalled his first home Tyne–Wear derby win, and how fans celebrated extending their winning streak over Newcastle:
> “I had no idea it was six in a row. It was crazy.”
Despite the looming AFCON disruption, Allardyce is convinced that Sunderland’s spirit, recruitment, and strong season start give them every chance of staying on track for a historic finish.
Alious
