Sunderland Under-23s round off their Premier League 2 season on Sunday afternoon with the longest trip of 2021-22 against Southampton B at St. Mary’s Stadium (KO 2pm).
The young Lads head into the season finale having returned to a winning note on Monday night, rounding off the home campaign at Eppleton with a 2-1 win over Birmingham City.
Several players who starred in last week’s win will be expected to feature again, although two-goal hero Ellis Taylor has not made the trip as the first team continue their season into the Sky Bet League One Play-Offs.
Jacob Carney is anticipated to return at St. Mary’s after Lee Burge made a return to action against Birmingham, Zak Johnson is aiming for a return from a minor ankle issue, whilst regulars such as Harrison Sohna, Tom Scott and Cameron Jessup should all again feature. Scholars such as Henry Fieldson and Oli Bainbridge have also travelled following solid displays when making the step up.
Numerous trialists have been surveyed at the Academy of Light by the SAFC coaches in recent weeks, and up to four could be involved on the South Coast.
The young Lads could still finish anywhere between 11th and 14th in the PL2 Division 2, with Southampton likely to maintain their current seventh-placed berth barring a heavy margin of victory.
Saints B were notable winners at St. James’ Park over Newcastle United in their last outing on Monday, as teenager Tyler Dibling struck a first-half hat-trick in a game which ended 4-2. They were beaten in their previous two before the success on Tyneside.
Supporters can follow the action from the U23s’ final match of the season St. Mary’s via the club’s official Twitter account.