After defeat at Shrewsbury Town in midweek, the Black Cats will be looking to get back to winning ways against one of their potential promotion rivals.
It’s a game that could go a long way to establishing whether Sunderland are genuine top two contenders and one which is given added intrigue given the potential presence of prospective new owner Kyril Louis-Dreyfus – who has been on Wearside this week.
We’ll have the latest on whether the billionaire is indeed present – as well as the usual match updates, analysis, team news and reaction – throughout the afternoon and into the evening.
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So scroll down for a live stream of fresh match updates through the day as we keep you up to date with how Sunderland are faring:
FT: Sunderland AFC 4-1 Doncaster Rovers (Wyke 7, 12, 31, 54; Bogle 53)
Last updated: Saturday, 13 February, 2021, 14:42
Goooooood morning!
And welcome to our live blog!
It's a big ol' day in League One as the Black Cats look to get back to winning ways against a Doncaster Rovers side bang in form.
While Rovers may have lost in midweek, that has been their only league defeat of 2021 so far and they'll be a stern test for Lee Johnson's men this afternoon.
And we'll be bringing you the latest from the Stadium of Light throughout the afternoon - as well as all the latest transfer and takeover talk.
So, let's get started...
Here’s how League One looks ahead of today’s games
Sunderland could, if results go their way, climb back into the top six today.
And here's the fixtutes in League One today, with some already lost to the weather:
- AFC Wimbledon v Rochdale
- Blackpool P-P Peterborough
- Bristol Rovers v Swindon Town
- Charlton Athletic v Gillingham
- Crewe Alexandra P-P Portsmouth
- Hull City v MK Dons
- Lincoln City v Accrington Stanley
- Northamopton Town v Burton Albion
- Plymouth Argyle v Fleetwood Town
- Shrewsbury Town v Ipswich Town
Doncaster aren’t looking too much into Sunderland’s poor home form
The Black Cats have won just four of their 13 League One games at the Stadium of Light this season - but Doncaster boss Darren Moore is still expecting to come up against a 'formidable' opponent.
Darren MooreIt’ll seem strange, going up there and playing in that empty stadium,” he said.
It’ll be an experience in itself.
It’s maybe one of those things they’ve looked at that has brought them huge success over the years but I still think on Saturday we’ll be faced with formidable opponents and we’ll still have to be on top of our game.
Watch our in-depth match preview
Ahead of the game, Echo writer Mark Donnelly caught-up with Liam Hoden of the Doncaster Free Press to discuss the big game.
You can watch the preview in full below:
Sunderland AFC v Doncaster Rovers: preview - video Dailymotion
SAFC writer Mark Donnelly and Doncaster writer Liam Hoden discuss the upcoming clash at the Stadium of Light
Sunderland have an injury crisis on their hands...
The Black Cats have just two senior central defenders available for today - with Bailey Wright and Dion Sanderson set to start.
Jordan Willis, Arbenit Xhemajli and Tom Flanagan are all injured, so could Sunderland swoop for a free agent?
Here's what Lee Johnson had to say on that topic:
Lee Johnson reveals whether Sunderland are in the market for a free agent defender after injury blows
Lee Johnson admits he is unlikely to add a free agent signing to his ranks in the coming weeks – despite finding himself short of central defenders.
What are the odds for Sunderland AFC v Doncaster Rovers?
League title sponsors have Sunderland as favourites for today's game, with the Black Cats able to be backed at 17/20.
Doncaster are 3/1, while the draw is 12/5.
Charlie Wyke is again the favourite to open the scoring at odds of 7/2.
Sunderland linked with ‘the next Lukaku'
Sunderland have been linked with a left-field move for Honduran striker Iverson Sacaza.
Reports in Honduras suggest that the Black Cats have scouted the 17-year-old striker, who is currently on the books of the Getafe City Soccer School.
Branded as 'the next Lukaku' by his coach, the youngster has also reportedly been watched by Anderlecht and has spent time training with Valencia.
One to watch with interest!
The latest team news ahead of today’s big game
Here's how the two sides are shaping-up ahead of this afternoon's game:
SUNDERLAND
The Black Cats will be without Jordan Willis after he ruptured his patella tendon, and will now face six months on the sidelines.
Tom Flanagan is also out of the clash, while Callum McFadzean and Carl Winchester will be assessed as they step-up the comeback trail.
Striker Ross Stewart suffered a setback in training this week and will miss out, while Denver Hume, Arbenit Xhemajli and Benji Kimpioka remain long-term absentees.
DONCASTER ROVERS
The visitors will be without captain Tom Anderson after he suffered concussion in the midweek defeat at Fleetwood Town.
James Coppinger has returned to training ahead of the clash and could be involved, as too could loanee Josh Sims who is recovering from a hamstring problem.
Can I stream Sunderland AFC v Doncaster Rovers?
Yes - today's game will be able to be streamed via SAFC.com.
Streaming passes can be purchased on the club's official website for £10.