Exactly what happened and the key moments that cost Sunderland in their FA Cup defeat to Mansfield Town
The Black Cats are set to name a reshuffled squad for today’s tie, and we’ll be providing all the latest team news – as well as match updates, analysis, reaction and insight – throughout the afternoon.
So scroll down for all the latest from the Stadium of Light as Sunderland eye a spot in round two...
FT: Sunderland 0-1 Mansfield Town (Lapslie 49)
Gooooooood morning!
And welcome to our live blog!
The magic of the FA Cup may have faded slightly this year, given all games will be played behind closed doors, but it’s still an important competition for Sunderland - if only for the fact it allows them to hand chances to some fringe players.
And with the added intrigue of Mansfield’s new managerial appointment, this could be an interesting afternoon.
So we’ll be bringing you all the team news, updates, analysis and behind the scenes insight from the game, right here throughout the day.
So let’s get started…
What’s the latest team news from both camps?
SUNDERLAND
Phil Parkinson was always going to make changes for this game, but will be forced into several given some fresh injury worries.
First-team quartet Denver Hume (knee), Luke O’Nien (medial ligament), Josh Scowen (concussion) and Lynden Gooch (groin) will all miss today’s game.
That could open the door for a debut for new signing Callum McFadzean, while Jack Diamond is also in-line for an opportunity.
Dan Neil and Elliot Embleton will also form part of the squad having missed the under-23 win over Wolves yesterday.
MANSFIELD TOWN
The Stages will be led by Richard Cooper today, with new manager Nigel Clough set to take a watching brief.
They welcome back defender Ryan Sweeney, but will be without Ollie Clarke and Joe Riley through injury.
An important new rule to remember...
We all remember that lovely midweek trip to Gillingham in an FA Cup replay last season…
Well, that’s completely off the table now.
If Sunderland and Mansfield are level at 90 minutes, then the tie will be decided on the day - via extra-time and penalties if required.
So regardless of the score at the end of the game, we’ll see a winner declared today.
Nigel Clough discusses the ‘bizarre’ circumstances behind his first game in charge
He’ll likely be watching from the Directors’ Box today, but Nigel Clough is still relishing a return to the Stadium of Light with his new club.
Nigel CloughIt’s a seriously bizarre coincidence to be able to go back to Sunderland, with it being my hometown and everything.
Although we didn’t live there very long, it was certainly a place that was very special to my dad. He really enjoyed playing football there, as well as Middlesbrough.
It [Stadium of Light] is one of the best stadiums in the country – I really wish there could be a crowd there, because it can be a hell of an atmosphere.
How could Sunderland line-up today?
Our writers have picked their teams - but which would you like to see start?
Phil Parkinson is going to show Mansfield a great deal of respect today
So while Sunderland will make changes, Parkinson won’t name a weak squad by any means…
Phil Parkinson.The last two games, Mansfield have done well.
I've watched both of them and they look like a team better than their current league position. They were one of the teams who got some players in before the salary cap really started affecting recruitment.
It's been a disappointing start in terms of results but the last couple of games they have played some good football and looked a decent side.
We'll have to be right at it to get through but if we are and we implement what we've spoken about in our team meeting and worked on on the training pitch, we'll have a great chance of progressing.
But we're not taking on a poor side, they've got some good players.
Can I stream the game today?
Yes, the game will be available to stream via SAFSee.
You can purchase a streaming pass - priced at £10 for domestic supporters and £7 for international fans - from safc.com.
Our team are in place at the Stadium of Light
Nigel Clough is here, too. He won’t be leading the side - but will be watching on.
BREAKING: THE TEAM NEWS IS IN
And it’s EIGHT changes for Sunderland!
In come Remi Matthews, Jack Diamond, Dion Sanderson, Callum McFadzean, Max Power, George Dobson, Danny Graham and Will Grigg to start.
So the Sunderland side is: Matthews; Sanderson, McLaughlin, Flanagan; Diamond, McFadzean, Power, Dobson, Maguire; Grigg, Graham
And on the bench: Burge, Willis, Wyke, O’Brien, Embleton, Leadbitter, Neil