Sunderland will look to respond on Saturday with a return to a winning note, as the Lads visit Accrington Stanley (KO 3pm).
The fixture at the Wham Stadium provides an opportunity to get back on track following Tuesday’s defeat to Lincoln City which brought an end to 10 league matches unbeaten.
Team news
Lee Johnson will be without Carl Winchester for Saturday’s game with the Northern Irishman serving a one-match ban after his midweek red card.
Corry Evans may however have a chance of returning after sustaining a head injury at Wycombe last weekend and will be assessed.
Goalkeeping duo Thorben Hoffmann and Lee Burge are doubtful due to their ongoing recoveries from Covid-19, whilst Bailey Wright could remain sidelined.
Opposition
Accrington Stanley are now into their fourth consecutive season at League One level, having risen through the leagues tremendously under the guidance of club icon John Coleman.
After an 11th-place finish last campaign, Accy once again sit in the same position having claimed 35 points from 25 games played – only losing one of their last six and conceding just one goal in their last four.
In seven meetings between the two clubs – the first-ever of which not taking place until 2019 – Sunderland have won five with two draws.
Around the grounds
For the first time in several months, a full 12-game schedule of League One fixtures is due to take place at 3pm on Saturday afternoon.
Among them, league leaders Rotherham – joint with the Lads on 50 points albeit with two games in hand – head to Fleetwood, whilst Wycombe host Oxford in an intriguing local clash. Wigan in fourth have played just 21 games so far this season, and look to make up ground against basement side Doncaster; MK Dons travel to Portsmouth and Sheffield Wednesday host Plymouth.
Bolton and Ipswich meet in Lancashire on Saturday, whilst the Lads’ last opponents Lincoln welcome Cambridge, fresh from their remarkable FA Cup victory at Newcastle.
Tickets & streaming
Tickets for Saturday’s match at Accrington Stanley are now sold out to away supporters. Fans are reminded that Covid-19 protocols may be in place at away stadiums.
Due to EFL broadcast restrictions, SAFSee streaming will not be available to UK-based subscribers – however, those based overseas will be able to purchase a streaming pass here at a cost of £10. Audio commentary via safc.com will be available to all supporters.
Social media coverage will be provided on the club’s official accounts on Twitter @SunderlandAFC, and Instagram @sunderlandafcofficial.