Bolo Zenden has played down concerns that Sunderland may struggle to cope with a gruelling fixture list.
Sunderland midfielder ready for busy period
Bolo Zenden has played down concerns that Sunderland may struggle to cope with a gruelling festive fixture list.
The Black Cats are currently preparing to face Blackpool at home on Tuesday after being beaten 2-0 by Manchester United on Boxing Day, while there are further games to come against Blackburn and Aston Villa within the next week-and-a-half.
Blackpool will be much fresher than Steve Bruce's side having not played since 11th December due to a couple of postponements.
However, Sunderland will be able to welcome back Lee Cattermole and Danny Welbeck from suspension and ineligibility, respectively, and experienced midfielder Zenden believes they will be fine.
"We're looking at getting a few players back into the team which we didn't have on Boxing Day so they will be a bit fresher," the 34-year-old told the
Sunderland Echo.
"It's a very busy fixture list and you just have to cope with it.
"Some will say Blackpool will be fresher after not playing for two weeks. But after today's game, we'll be able to say whether it's favoured us or not."
United praise
Sunderland were outplayed by an impressive United outfit on Sunday and Zenden accepts that it was hard to compete with the Premier League leaders, especially without several important players.
He said: "If you've got your full squad together, it's always going to be difficult at Old Trafford but you might get something out of it.
"We tried on Boxing Day but you could still see why United are top of the table.
"We didn't cope with them well enough in the first 20 minutes and didn't keep the ball well enough.
"You know going there is always going to be difficult and we were missing some key players.
"We didn't really show up in the first half and they had a very good spell."
Zenden made his first start in four against United and is keen to contribute in any way he can, even if it is not in his favoured position.
He said: "I was pleased to get a start on Sunday. Playing on the right-hand side is not my best position but I tried to give my all.
"I got a few shots off and tried to link the play a bit."
