Michael Beale drops striker selection hint ahead of Sunderland vs Plymouth

SUNDERLAND, ENGLAND - JANUARY 27: Michael Beale manager of Sunderland during the Sky Bet Championship match between Sunderland and Stoke City at Stadium of Light on January 27, 2024 in Sunderland, England. (Photo by Nigel Roddis/Getty Images)

Michael Beale, the manager of Sunderland, has provided some perspective on his strategy for selecting strikers in the upcoming weeks.

As Sunderland prepares to face Plymouth Argyle at the Stadium of Light this weekend, anticipation for an exciting match is palpable.

The fixture presents an opportunity for Sunderland, commonly known as the Black Cats, to secure a victory, particularly considering Plymouth’s current position at 22nd place in the away form table.

A win could propel Sunderland back into the top six of the league standings, serving to ease some of the early pressure on Beale. Encouragingly, Sunderland has remained undefeated in their last two matches.

With the game against Plymouth looming, Beale has hinted at potential adjustments to the team’s front line as part of his strategic considerations.

Nazariy Rusyn set to feature over the coming weeks

In anticipation of the upcoming weekend fixtures, Beale had previously hinted at the potential inclusion of teenage sensation Chris Rigg in his plans. Now, the Sunderland manager has further elaborated on his team selection, indicating that Nazariy Rusyn will also play a significant role.

Speaking to the club, Beale shared insights into the capabilities of the Ukrainian player, emphasizing Rusyn’s versatility and dynamic presence on the field.

Beale highlighted Rusyn’s ability to operate effectively across the front three positions, portraying him not merely as a traditional number nine striker but also as a versatile winger.

He commended Rusyn’s agility, dribbling skills, and commendable energy levels, underscoring his multifaceted contributions to the team’s gameplay.

Beale’s remarks suggest that Rusyn is poised to feature prominently in the team’s upcoming fixtures, with the manager expressing confidence in the player’s abilities.

Despite being a subject of discussion throughout the season, Rusyn has recently showcased his goal-scoring prowess, notably finding the back of the net in the team’s previous match against Middlesbrough.

Additionally, he has demonstrated his scoring ability with a couple of goals for the U21s in a recent victory over Leeds United. This surge in form indicates Rusyn’s growing impact within the squad and his potential to make significant contributions on the field.