The story of the evening as Sunderland's winless run stretches to seven games after disappointing Blackpool defeat
and live on Freeview channel 276
The poor run of form has seen the Black Cats slide away from automatic promotion contention, with the play-offs looking increasingly likely.
Indeed, a top six finish could be mathematically secured this evening should Lee Johnson’s side overcome Blackpool – whom tasted victory when the sides met just two weeks ago.
Advertisement
Hide AdAdvertisement
Hide AdSunderland will have to do without Dion Sanderson for the remainder of the campaign after it was confirmed that he would be sidelined for six weeks, and Johnson could therefore be pondering a defensive reshuffle ahead of tonight’s fixture.
Decisions will also have to be made over the likes of Denver Hume and Aiden McGeady ahead of a potential play-off tilt.
Our team of writers will be bringing you the latest from the Stadium of Light throughout the evening – with team news, analysis, updates and reaction from the League One clash.
FT: Sunderland AFC 0-1 Blackpool (Kaikai 57)
Key Events
- Sunderland welcome Blackpool to the Stadium of Light looking to end their six-game winless run.
- A victory for the Black Cats - coupled with results elsewhere - could see them mathematically secure a play-off spot.
- Lee Johnson has made one change to his team after the draw with Accrington Stanley on Saturday.
- SAFC XI: Burge, Power, Wright, O’Nien, Hume, Gooch, Scowen, Leadbitter, McGeady, O’Brien, Wyke
Goooood afternoon!
And welcome to our live blog!
It’s another big game for Sunderland as they welcome to the Stadium of Light a Blackpool side whom they suffered defeat against only two weeks ago.
The Black Cats will be looking to end their six-game winless run and could even seal a play-off spot if things go well this evening.
As ever, we’ll have the latest updates, analysis and reaction right here throughout the evening - so let’s get cracking...
Here’s how League One looks ahead of kick-off...
Sunderland currently sit in third place, and will retain that position if they can beat Blackpool this evening.
And here’s the full list of fixtures taking place this evening:
- Accrington Stanley v Portsmouth (7pm)
- Shrewsbury Town v Lincoln City (7pm)
- AFC Wimbledon v Rochdale (7pm)
- Burton Albion v Fleetwood Town (7pm)
- Charlton Athletic v Crewe Alexandra (7pm)
- Peterborough United v Doncaster Rovers (7:45pm)
Blackpool are also looking to bounce back this evening
Neil Critchley’s side haven’t won since their triumph over Sunderland - but the Blackpool boss believes there is no better place to get back to winning ways than the Stadium of Light.
Neil CritchleySunderland won’t be easy at all because they’re a very good team. But what a good game to bounce back in, if we can at all.
That’s a good challenge and I’m really looking forward to that game.
The latest transfer rumours from Sunderland AFC
You can tell we’re nearing the end of the season - because the rumour mill is starting to turn!
Here’s the transfer talk that has been surrounding the Stadium of Light in recent days...
- CHARLIE WYKE has been linked with a summer exit, after netting his 30th goal of the season on Saturday. Sky Sports News claim that Middlesbrough, Nottingham Forest, Millwall and Cardiff City are all monitoring Wyke - whose contract expires in the summer. Football League World have today claimed that Cardiff are the front-runners for the striker’s signature.
- And he may not be the only striker on this he move this summer, with MK Dons boss Russell Martin once again stating his desire to sign WILL GRIGG on a permanent basis. Grigg has a year left on his contract on Wearside.
- In terms of incomings, Football Insider claim that Northampton Town youngster TOM SCOTT will be offered a contract by Sunderland after impressing on trial with the club’s under-23 side.
Sunderland handed another defensive injury blow - with Dion Sanderson out for the season
Lee Johnson has confirmed that Dion Sanderson is unlikely to play again this season as he faces six weeks on the sidelines.
The 21-year-old returned to Wolves last week to undergo scans on a back problem that has kept him out of Sunderland’s recent fixtures.
Sanderson had been clear that he wished to return to Wearside to play his part in a promotion push but Johnson has conceded that it is now unlikely.
It is a major blow to Sunderland’s hopes of reaching the Championship, with Johnson paying tribute to a defender with a ‘bright future’ in the game.
What are the odds for Sunderland AFC v Blackpool?
Here’s how League One title sponsors Sky Bet see tonight’s game going...
- Sunderland - 23/20
- Draw - 11/5
- Blackpool - 23/10
And here’s who they are backing to score first...
- Charlie Wyke - 14/5
- Jerry Yates - 4/1
- Chris Maguire - 11/2
- Ross Stewart - 11/2
- Aiden O’Brien - 6/1
- Jordan Jones - 6/1
- Ellis Simms - 13/2
We could see changes tonight...
But will this be the Sunderland team that starts the game?
The Sunderland team that could start against Blackpool - with TWO key changes
Sunderland face Blackpool this evening looking to end their six-game winless run in League One – but what team will Lee Johnson name?
What is the latest team news for Sunderland AFC v Blackpool?
Here’s how the two squads are shaping-up ahead of kick-off:
SUNDERLAND
Lee Johnson is likely to select from the same squad that was available for the weekend game against Accrington Stanley.
Defenders Tom Flanagan, Dion Sanderson, Jordan Willis, Conor McLaughlin and Arbenit Xhemajli all remain sidelined - while Jake Vokins is unlikely to play after featuring for 45 minutes for the under-23 side on Monday.
Oliver Younger missed that game suggesting he may be involved in some capacity, while Johnson will have to decide whether to field Aiden McGeady again after he returned from a brief injury lay-off on Saturday.
The head coach may also opt to change the Sunderland backline after the side conceded five goals in their last two outings.
BLACKPOOL
The visitors could welcome back midfielder Kevin Stewart after an ankle injury, but will be without the ineligible Elliot Embleton.
Matty Virtue, CJ Hamilton and Gary Madine remain absent.
Full live stream details for Sunderland v Blackpool
You can watch Sunderland v Blackpool on the Black Cats’ official website - with streaming passes priced at £10.