Ricky Sbragia

By The Black Cats
May 1 2009

Sunderland Coach and Manager Ricky Sbragia has told his team to trust their attacking instincts and go in search of an early goal on Sunday when David Moyes brings his team up to Wearside. This Sunday's visitors to the Sunderland Stadium of Light are Everton, and while they will surely present a stiff challenge at the Stadium of Light, it is a challenge being relished within the Sunderland dressing-room, particularly after positive performances at home against Manchester United and Hull City.

"Away from home you can sometimes make an argument for changing the formation, going back to being really difficult to beat and maybe trying to steal a goal, but at home we've got to try and take the game to the opposition," Sbragia said.

"We know that there's a very fine line in this division and that it's very difficult to win games.

"All the teams have a lot to play for, because moving up the league table is a huge incentive. Portsmouth showed that against Newcastle at the start of the week.

"Nerves have a lot to do with it as well, so what we have to try and do is get that first goal. If you do that, it gives you the chance to raise your game and get that pressure off you."