After the transfer embargo of Fabio Borini finally concluded with two happy clubs over the summer, can the Italian make his slightly poor start to the Premier League season better under Big Sam?
The former Liverpool man has made 4 appearances so far this season without showing his creative and clinical attributes, which we know he is capable of, throughout, alongside picking up 2 yellow cards. The forward has also been moved around the pitch due to Advocaat’s philosophies, starting as a lone striker against Manchester City and United, or playing where we formerly knew him to naturally fit in at the left wing role.
However, due to managerial changes we can expect a new looking Sunderland side, possibly in the 4-4-2 formation we know Allardyce prefers. Meaning will we see a first, will Borini match the in-form Fletcher or Defoe up top, or do we see him taking the place of the suspended Lens instead of Johnson or even Duncan Watmore down the left? With Ola Toivonen a slight injury doubt, it seems almost impossible that we wouldn’t be seeing the Geordie Slayer playing some sort of attacking role, but it could very well be one of his last chances before competition keeps coming forward for a first team place.
From a personal view, I can’t see Borini starting over Fletcher, as we do know Allardyce was a fan of the Scottish international at West Ham, and coming off his spell at the international break. It could be a very close call deciding if Defoe should start, as it could get him back into form for the derby where we would really need his awesome finishing ability (as shown last season). I expect to be seeing Borini on the left, most likely over Johnson who I’d probably place on the bench for Larsson or even Yedlin to take up the right midfield position.
But from a fully fit squad? Borini is going to have to work a lot harder in training and on the pitch to prove himself to me.
