Tony Mowbray makes claim regarding Sunderland squad ahead of Reading FC clash | OneFootball

Tony Mowbray believes he will have a far greater understanding of his Sunderland side over the course of the next few days.

The Black Cats are set to enjoy a trip to the south for a pair of away games against the likes of Reading and Watford.

A midweek clash against an in-form Royals, followed by Saturday’s fixture with Rob Edwards’ side is seen as a difficult run of games by the Sunderland boss.

The 58-year insists it is as tough a test as it comes given the form of Paul Ince’s team and the expectations surrounding the Hornets this campaign.

He believes that this pair of matches will give him a better view of how his squad is shaping up, especially in the aftermath of last weekend’s 1-0 defeat to Middlesbrough.

“It’s a tough run of games,” said Mowbray, via The Northern Echo.

“If you put the fixtures in perspective, then I think Middlesbrough and Watford would have been up there in everybody’s favourites to be in the top six at the start of the season.

“Reading wouldn’t have been there, yet they’re right up there in the top third at the moment.

“In the context of the way the fixtures fall, you probably couldn’t get a tougher run of three consecutive away games, yet there they are for us.

“We’ll certainly know a lot more about ourselves on the back of these games.

“They’re a test, although we certainly shouldn’t fear them.

“We’ve already been to Stoke City and Bristol City and won this season, so the away fixtures shouldn’t be too daunting.

“We’ve just got to go and do what the team does – express our talent, get our quality footballers on the ball and go and ask questions of the opposition.”

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Sunderland’s return to the Championship was hit with the sudden departure of Alex Neil right before the close of the summer transfer window.

However, the experienced Mowbray has arrived as the club’s new manager as he looks to maintain the Black Cats’ status in the second division.

These upcoming clashes will have to be faced without the important figures of Ross Stewart and Dennis Cirkin following recent injuries.

The Verdict

Considering Mowbray is still just in the door, the easiest way for him to adjust to his new squad is to get through games.

Training can be informative, but it is only with fixtures coming thick and fast that he can adapt to the players at his disposal.

The timing of this was extremely difficult for both the manager and the team, and these upcoming fixtures don’t help the situation.

The absence of such a crucial player in Stewart will only make things more challenging, but Mowbray has the experience to adapt and overcome a difficult run of games.