Sunderland will look to regain their place at the summit of the Sky Bet League One table on Saturday afternoon, as the Lads take on Bolton Wanderers at the Stadium of Light (KO 3pm).
Lee Johnson’s men suffered late agony in the final seconds of last weekend’s trip to Fleetwood Town which ended in a 2-2 draw, but bounced back with a resurgent and controlled display at Wigan Athletic on Tuesday night, carving out a 2-0 win to seal a place in Round Four of the Carabao Cup.
Team news
Lee Johnson has confirmed he has a fit squad to choose from aside from his recovering long-term absentees: Denver Hume; Arbenit Xhemajli and Jordan Willis.
Niall Huggins is fit after limping off with cramp on Tuesday night at Wigan, and Johnson has an otherwise healthy set of players at his disposal.
Opposition
Bolton Wanderers currently sit eighth in the League One standings, having taken 12 points from their opening eight games upon their return to the third tier. Ian Evatt’s side raced into a terrific second half of the season last term to turn a sluggish start into a promotion campaign in League Two, retaining several of their key players for the task ahead in 2021-22. Enduring a mixed bag of results, Bolton were defeated in their last league outing by Rotherham United, but the previous week took home an excellent 5-2 win at Ipswich Town.
An historic club who have been through agonisingly turbulent times in recent years, the Trotters have lifted four FA Cups in amongst nine major domestic finals reached, along with nine second tier promotions and three from the third tier – including League One promotion in 2017. Bolton enjoyed two seasons in the UEFA Cup in the mid-2000s under Sam Allardyce and are more recently on a promising rebuild mission.
Around the grounds
There is a full programme of fixtures scheduled for 3pm on Saturday afternoon including the Black Cats’ Bolton meeting.
Elsewhere, Wigan – sitting top on goal difference heading into the weekend – host Cheltenham Town, who visit Wearside on Tuesday night. Burton Albion meet Lincoln City at the Pirelli Stadium, whilst an in-form MK Dons side host a neighbourly clash with Wycombe Wanderers. After basement side Doncaster Rovers ensured no team was left without a win in the division last weekend, they visit a high-flying Plymouth Argyle. Charlton Athletic play host to Portsmouth, whilst Crewe Alexandra visit Rotherham.
Tickets & streaming
Tickets remain available for Saturday’s match with Bolton Wanderers by clicking here to purchase online. The Ticket Office at the Stadium of Light will be open for in-person purchases until 5pm Friday, and between 11am and kick-off on Saturday. These opening times will also apply to the Club Store.
Due to broadcasting restrictions, SAFSee streaming will be unavailable to UK-based supporters. However, international subscribers can purchase a streaming pass at the cost of £10 here.
As always, social media coverage will be available throughout the matchday via our official platforms on Twitter @SunderlandAFC, and Instagram @sunderlandafcofficial.