Rooney previews Sunderland meeting

Following an international window, and two weeks without a game, Argyle are back in action against Sunderland this Saturday.   

The game marks the start of a run of fixtures before the next international break that includes Sunderland and West Bromwich Albion, the top two teams in the league at this embryonic stage; Luton Town and Burnley, two teams relegated from the Premier League last season; and Blackburn, fifth in the table after four games.  

Argyle Head Coach Wayne Rooney told Argyle TV: “I think it's a challenging group of games, there's no denying that, but I think from our point of view, it's an opportunity for us to go up against some good teams, some of the best teams in the division, and compete and challenge.  

“We'll have to show real togetherness in these games, but also, we'll have to be clinical. It’s also an opportunity for us, I feel, to show that we're a good team and we can compete. I think that's important for our lads to take that into these games because I've no doubt we can compete with these teams.  

“Getting that win is the next step for us in terms of giving the lads a bit more confidence from that point of view, but I'm very excited by this group of games because I think come the end of these, we'll know a little bit better about where we are.” 

Saturday’s visitors to Home Park, Sunderland, have won four out of four games so far this season, the only team in the EFL to boast a 100% record. They have scored ten goals and conceded just one in that time, but Rooney thinks he and his team have identified weaknesses which he hopes the Pilgrims can capitalise on.  

“Sunderland are a very young team, a very energetic team, but there's certainly weaknesses in there we can try to exploit to try to win the game,” said the Head Coach.  

“They have been a clinical team. If you watch them against Sheffield Wednesday, they had four chances and scored four goals.  

“Sometimes that's the difference. From our point of view, we certainly see that they've got some strengths in there, but we also see that they have got parts of their game which are not as strong, and we can try to exploit them. 

“They'll have been analysing us just as much as we're doing to them. We see there's the strengths and weaknesses there and it's about us trying to nullify their strengths and exploit the weaknesses, really.  

“We've been working a lot on trying to score more goals and trying to be a bit more clinical in front of goal, so hopefully we can put all that together and come away with the first win.” 

Rami Al Hajj is in the Argyle squad for the game and could make his debut after signing on Transfer Deadline Day.  

Fellow recent recruit Dan Grimshaw is likely to start in goal, following an unfortunate injury to Conor Hazard which will keep the Northern Ireland international stopper out for around three months.  

“It's a shame for Conor because he's worked so hard throughout the pre-season to get that starting role,” said Rooney. “He started the season well, and it's a shame he has picked up an injury which unfortunately will keep him out for 10 to 12 weeks.  

“We're all gutted for him, and we show him our support, but that's football. It happened, and now Dan Grimshaw has got an opportunity to come into the team and show us what a good goalkeeper he is.  

“He's played a lot of games in the Championship before, he's obviously played in League One as well. I’ve no worries about Grimmy coming into the team. He's very quick across his line; he's good with his feet; he makes good decisions.  

“It’s a good opportunity for him. We hope he comes in and shows everyone what a good goalkeeper he is.  

“Rami has come in; he's trained really well; I’ve been really pleased with his training. 

“We need to get his fitness up a little bit because he hasn't played since April, but I’ve been delighted with his application in training. His ability, taking the ball and dictating the game at times in training has been fantastic. Now he just needs to do that on the pitch.”