I think there's an argument to be made for playing at home first leg being advantageous (for ourselves anyway).
We are particularly strong at home, but our away record is poor. We're coming off the high off a strong home performance, and a big win. If we take any lead into the second let, then we can set up to frustrate and play on the break, with Sunderland having to attack. We should also play with more freedom at home without the second leg pressure.
Away first would have more likely resulted in a loss due to our poor performances away from home. Putting a lot of pressure on us in the second leg to go all out.
We are particularly strong at home, but our away record is poor. We're coming off the high off a strong home performance, and a big win. If we take any lead into the second let, then we can set up to frustrate and play on the break, with Sunderland having to attack. We should also play with more freedom at home without the second leg pressure.
Away first would have more likely resulted in a loss due to our poor performances away from home. Putting a lot of pressure on us in the second leg to go all out.