Sunderland handed ‘great opportunity’ after major announcement – Phillips
Kevin Phillips has claimed Sunderland are in pole position to qualify for the fourth round of the EFL Cup after drawing Wigan Athletic.
Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, the Stadium of Light legend said Lee Johnson has a superior squad to Leam Richardson’s and expects it to count when the two sides meet next month.
The Black Cats beat Blackpool 3-2 to qualify for the third round of the EFL Cup on Tuesday night.
The north-east giants will travel to League One rivals Wigan Athletic in the next round, who they beat on the opening day of this season.
Phillips, who was involved in the draw for the third round while working for Sky Sports, jokingly apologised for not pulling Sunderland’s ball out.
“I can only apologise that I did not pull them out of the hat to be at home,” he told Football Insider‘s Dylan Childs.
“They have already beaten Wigan at home this season so I’m sure they will fancy themselves down there.
“Of course, there will be a number of changes to the team but when you look at the depth of both squads you would say Sunderland’s is stronger than Wigan’s.
“It’s a great opportunity to get through to the next round to face one of the Premier League sides.
“A cup run would be great for the fans but the league is the priority for Sunderland, that’s for sure.”
In other news, Kevin Phillips is blown away by Sunderland signing Huggins but questions why Leeds let him go.