Sunderland and Brighton clash at the Stadium of Light on Saturday with just three points and three positions separating the two in the Premier League table.
Though the Black Cats have achieved their primary target of 40 points for the campaign, it is an important game for both sides as they bid to bolster their hopes of a top-half finish at the end of the season. Both Regis Le Bris and Fabian Hurzeler have some major absentees for the game, though Sunderland should also be able to field a much stronger squad than at Vale Park last week. Here, we run you through the key team news from both camps..
1. Omar Alderete - major doubt
Aggravated a hip injury at Everton last week and Le Bris says the defender faces a late fitness test on Friday. The Sunderland head coach is expecting to be without the defender which means Luke O'Nien will likely return to the starting XI | Sunderland's Omar Alderete. Photo by Chris Fryatt.
2. Chemsdine Talbi - out
A big blow for Sunderland - the winger suffered a muscle injury in training this week and will be absent on Sunday as a result. Would have had a big part to play whether from the bench or the start. | Getty Images
3. Joao Pedro - doubt
Missed out against Spurs but trained on Friday with interim boss Callum McFarlane saying it was looking 'promising' for him to be involved at the Stadium of Light this weekend. | Local Library
4. Dan Ballard - out
Ballard will serve the final game of his three-match suspension for violent conduct in the draw at Wolves. Sunderland appealed the decision but it was rejected. | Getty Images