Portsmouth face contract dilemmas, League One leaders Plymouth Argyle to compete on multiple fronts and are Sunderland due a cash boost from the EFL following Premier League discussions?
It was a successful night for Sunderland defender Tom Flanagan.
By Joe Ramage
Published 16th Nov 2021, 12:07 BST
Updated 16th Nov 2021, 12:41 BST
The Black Cats man was part of the Northern Ireland side to shut out European champions Italy in Belfast.
The 29-year-old will return to Wearside in preparation for Sunderland’s crucial League One meeting with Ipswich Town at the Stadium of Light this weekend.
Lee Johnson’s side have seen themselves drop outside the play-off places having missed last weekend’s fixture with Lincoln City due to international call-ups and will be looking to end a run of three straight defeats in the league.
The Tractor Boys arrive having won three of their last five games including impressive victories on the road over Wycombe Wanderers and Portsmouth.
Paul Cook’s side look to have put a slow start to the season behind them as they continue to climb the League One table.
But ahead of the weekend’s clash, we look at what has been happening around League One over the last 24 hours.
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Lee Johnson’s side have seen themselves drop outside the play-off places having missed last weekend’s fixture with Lincoln City due to international call-ups and will be looking to end a run of three straight defeats in the league.
5. Chaplin positive on Ipswich camp
Ipswich Town forward Conor Chaplin believes the Tractor Boys are going places this season given the close-knit nature of their squad. Chaplin and his side visit the Stadium of Light this weekend looking to move within a point of the Black Cats. “I think we all know that we have to play well to stay in the team because it’s such a good squad,” Chaplin told TWTD. “Attitude is a big part of it. We’re a team, we’re a close group of players and that’s going to take us places this season, fingers crossed. It needs to come from the culture of the club – everyone pulling in the right direction – and that’s something we are trying to create as well.” (Photo by Ashley Allen/Getty Images) Photo: Ashley Allen
Black Cats defender Tom Flanagan is enjoying a solid season in the heart of Lee Johnson’s defence and the 29-year-old is carrying that form onto the international stage with Northern Ireland. Flanagan helped keep European champions Italy at bay last night and the defender insists his side can’t let their standards drop. “It’s two good results and something to build on, it’s a shame now it’s going to be three months before we meet up again,” he told BBC NI. “We’ve set our stall out now and can’t dip below the level. They’re European champions, which speaks volumes, so to keep them quiet on our patch is really important and it’s important that going forward that’s the level and we don’t concede here and we’ve shown that we’re able to do that against one of the best teams in Europe." Flanagan has been attracting Championship interest from the likes of Middlesbrough, Preston North End and Bristol City. Picture by FRANK REID Photo: Frank Reid
Portsmouth could face another summer of upheaval with The News reporting as many as 18 first team players are set to be out of contract in the summer. Boss Danny Cowley had to oversee a significant turnover in players at Fratton Park ahead of this season and may have to wheel and deal again next year with the likes of Ellis Harrison, Marcus Harness, John Marquis, Sean Raggett, Lee Brown and Louis Thompson all out of contract in the summer. Cowley will also need to replace those on-loan on the south coast including Manchester City goalkeeper Gavin Bazunu. (Photo by Jacques Feeney/Getty Images) Photo: Jacques Feeney
Sheffield Wednesday defender Josh Dawodu has extended his loan spell with Stalybridge Celtic. The 21-year-old joined Stalybridge in October, originally on a one-month loan deal and has made six appearances for the Celts, chipping in with four assists from fullback. Dawodu will now remain with the Northern Premier League outfit until January. (Photo by George Wood/Getty Images) Photo: George Wood