Exactly what happened as Sunderland's winless run stretches to five games after Fleetwood Town draw
It feels like a big evening ahead for the Wearsiders and Phil Parkinson, as they head to Highbury looking to end a four-game winless run.
But in order to do that, the Black Cats will have to do something they haven’t been able to do during their time in League One - and beat Joey Barton’s Fleetwood Town.
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Hide AdSo stick with us through the evening as we bring you team news, match updates, analysis, insight and more from the clash. Simply scroll down for the latest in our match blog:
FT: Fleetwood Town 1-1 Sunderland AFC (Connolly 73; Wyke 59)
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It feels like a big evening ahead for Sunderland and Phil Parkinson, as they head to Highbury looking to end a four-game winless run.
But in order to do that, the Black Cats will have to do something they haven’t been able to do during their time in League One - and beat Joey Barton’s Fleetwood Town.
So stick with us through the evening as we bring you team news, match updates, analysis, insight and more from the clash…
Here’s what Phil Parkinson had to say about growing criticism over results and performances...
Fans have made their feelings clear after Sunderland fell to defeats against MK Dons and Mansfield, before drawing with Doncaster Rovers.
And Parkinson says he is not ‘hiding away’ from the fact the side need to improve.
The team news from both camps
SUNDERLAND
Phil Parkinson will be forced into at least one change, with Lynden Gooch facing up to four weeks on the sidelines with an ankle problem.
Jordan Willis will also miss out after receiving an injection after the defeat to MK Dons.
Callum McFadzean and Aiden O’Brien are back in training and could come into contention, while centre back Morgan Feeney is also back in training.
FLEETWOOD TOWN
The Cod Army have no fresh injury concerns after their 5-1 win over Plymouth Argyle last weekend.
Ched Evans was introduced from the bench against the Pilgrims and could come into contention from the start against Sunderland.
Joey Barton has been speaking ahead of the game...
He’s had plenty of praise for the job done by Phil Parkinson at the Stadium of Light…
Can I stream Fleetwood Town v Sunderland AFC?
Yes, supporters can stream tonight’s game via SAFSee.
Streaming passes can be purchased at safc.com - priced at £7 for international supporters and £10 for fans based in the UK.
Here’s how things look in League One...
Sunderland could move back into the play-offs places with victory tonight…
Who will start in goal tonight?
Remi Matthews has got the nod in the last couple of weeks and, while Lee Burge is back to full fitness, the former Bolton man is expected to start this evening.
Phil ParkinsonThere's good competition in that position now, Remi has come in and done well. As I've said, young Anthony Patterson is continuing to impress us in training and U23 games.
We're just picking the best goalkeeper for the next game.
Training, form in the previous game of course comes into consideration, and also what has gone on before.
The contenders to replace Lynden Gooch...
With the American sidelined through injury, who could come into the fold?
- Elliot Embleton - Now back to full fitness, the youngster could be given a chance to shine in the North West.
- Danny Graham - If Parkinson wants to play a more attack-minded formation, Graham could find himself thrown into the side.
- Aiden O’Brien - Missed out through injury last week, but could return at Fleetwood.
- Will Grigg - The striker may be struggling for form, but he could be an option under consideration.
BREAKING: THE TEAM NEWS IS IN!
And Phil Parkinson makes just one change from the side that drew at Doncaster Rovers - with Danny Graham coming in for the injured Lynden Gooch.
On the bench, there’s a place for the returning Callum McFadzean.
Otherwise, it’s as you were from Doncaster.
Sunderland XI: Matthews; Wright, Flanagan, McLaughlin; Hume, O’Nien, Scowen, Leadbiiter, Maguire; Wyke, Graham
Sunderland subs: Burge, Power, Sanderson, Embleton, Diamond, Grigg, McFadzean