Sunderland make a long-awaited return to Sky Bet League One action on Saturday afternoon, hosting Ipswich Town at the Stadium of Light (KO 3pm).
The Lads will look to rekindle some of the earlier-season form which initially saw Lee Johnson’s side leading the league table, and can move back into the play-off positions with victory over Paul Cook’s in-form Tractor Boys.
Team news
Johnson confirmed in Friday’s pre-match press conference that Lee Burge will be absent for a period of time with a hip flexor problem – fellow goalkeeper Anthony Patterson has consequently been recalled from his loan spell with Notts County.
Nathan Broadhead could again be expected to feature, whilst Tom Flanagan, Corry Evans and Callum Doyle are among those who have recently returned from international duty.
Opposition
Despite a sluggish start during which a newly moulded Ipswich team took until their ninth attempt to secure a win in any competition, Cook’s men are now looking the real deal.
Since their maiden victory of the season – a 1-0 win at Lincoln City in which leading marksman Macauley Bonne struck one of his 11 in the league this term – the East Anglians have picked up nine wins and just two defeats in their last 15 in all competitions.
Having recruited heavily with a high summer turnover of players, the time taken to gel at Portman Road is now looking increasingly worthwhile, with Ipswich showing on several occasions their ruthless nature in front of goal as they seek a return to the Championship.
With 11th and ninth-place finishes respectively since their drop into the third tier, the overhaul seems an exciting one for Ipswich fans – some of whom have witnessed tremendous success with their club, who claimed the English league title in 1962, the FA Cup in 1978 and the UEFA Cup in 1981.
Around the grounds
With a handful of sides including Sunderland out of league action last weekend due to international call-ups, a full 12-game programme is pencilled in for 3pm on Saturday afternoon.
Among the fixtures in place, league leaders Plymouth Argyle head to Charlton Athletic, whilst second-placed Wigan host Oxford in sixth. The rest of the top six are all at home – meanwhile, Sheffield Wednesday head to Accrington, Portsmouth welcome AFC Wimbledon and bottom side Crewe play host to Gillingham.
Tickets and streaming
Tickets for Sunderland’s meeting with Ipswich Town remain available during matchday and office hours at the Stadium of Light Ticket Office and by clicking here for the e-ticketing site.
Due to EFL broadcast restrictions, SAFSee streaming will not be available to UK-based supporters, though overseas subscribers can purchase a streaming pass by clicking here. Audio coverage will be available.
Social media coverage will be active on the club’s official platforms on Twitter @SunderlandAFC, and Instagram @sunderlandafcofficial.
Following the action at the Stadium of Light will be FA Women’s Championship football at Eppleton, as SAFC Ladies take on league leaders Liverpool at 7pm. Tickets to complete a double dose of Wearside action to watch Mel Reay’s side in DH5 are available here.