Sunderland AFC news: Cats eye 15 goal attacker, Kevin Phillips on what could be a 'big boost' for play-off hopes, why Elliot Embleton has been playing on the right wing

Sunderland are set to face Blackpool on Tuesday.
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The Black Cats drew against Accrington Stanley at the Stadium of Light on Saturday despite scoring three goals.

Lee Johnson’s men have not won since Good Friday when they defeated 10-man Oxford United at the Stadium of Light.

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Indeed, Sunderland welcome Blackpool on Tuesday with the Wearsiders looking to bounce back to winning ways following losses to Charlton Athletic, Wigan, the Tangerines and draws to Peterborough United and Accrington Stanley.

: Carlos Mendes Gomes of Morecambe runs with the ball during the Sky Bet League Two match between Bradford City and Morecambe.: Carlos Mendes Gomes of Morecambe runs with the ball during the Sky Bet League Two match between Bradford City and Morecambe.
: Carlos Mendes Gomes of Morecambe runs with the ball during the Sky Bet League Two match between Bradford City and Morecambe.

Here, though, we take you through all of the latest news and talk from around the division that you may have missed today:

Kevin Phillips talks Dion Sanderson and potential return from injury

Former Sunderland striker Kevin Phillips has delivered his verdict on Dion Sanderson and the defender’s potential return from injury.

“Sanderson has been an amazing player for them this season in the heart of the defence,” Phillips told Football Insider.

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“If he was back for the play-offs it would be a huge boost for Sunderland and for the player himself.

“He will be gutted watching Sunderland struggling at the moment. You can see that the defence is not the same without him.

“If they can get him back for the play-offs it would be a big boost. They are going to go into the play-offs a little disappointed because three or four weeks ago they were looked like they were nailed on to go up automatically.

“Mentally, to have him come back would be a big boost for everyone.”

Neil Critchley delivers Elliot Embleton verdict after player used on the right wing

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Neil Critchley has defended his decision to keep faith with his 4-4-2 system and utilise Elliot Embleton on the right flank during Blackpool’s defeat to Shrewsbury Town yesterday.

Sunderland play Blackpool on Tuesday but Embleton will not be available against his parent club.

Critchley said: “He’s played on the right quite a few times and we wanted to go with two centre forwards.

“They changed their shape, they played differently and when you play at home the onus is on you to attack and take the game to the opposition.

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“We always try and analyse and think about what type of game we’ll face and which is the best team to choose to play against the opposition.

“You know the game can change depending on goals or the longer the games goes on more space opens up on the pitch.

“That was always our plan and unfortunately it’s not quite worked out for us, but I can’t fault the effort of the players.”

Sunderland eye Morecambe winger Carlos Mendes Gomes

Sunderland are among a number of clubs interested in Morecambe winger Carlos Mendes Gomes.

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The attacker has scored 15 goals for the League Two outfit so far this campaign.

That’s according to Football League World state that Hull City, Peterborough United, Swansea City, Barnsley, Cardiff City, Luton Town and Huddersfield Town are also said to be interested.

The 22-year-old has been influential in Morecambe’s impressive season, with the club currently in fourth place in League Two,

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