Sunderland v Swansea City: Reaction from the Stadium of Light as the Black Cats fall to defeat
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Sunderland are looking to continue their positive form since the international break at the Stadium of Light on Saturday afternoon.
But they’ll face a stern test against a Swansea City side in good form under interim boss Alan Sheehan and on a high after an emphatic win in midweek. You can follow all the latest throughout the day in our live blog below...
Sunderland v Swansea City LIVE
Welcome!
Hello from the Stadium of Light - it’s matchday again!
We’ll be bringing you all the updates you need as they happen throughout the afternoon, stay tuned.
Jobe Bellingham update
Régis Le Bris confirmed in his pre-match press conference that Jobe Bellingham would be absent again this afternoon - before returning from the Easter fixtures next week:
Jobe will skip this one so that he is fresh and competitive for the last stage of the season.
Salis Abdul Samed returns
We’re expecting Salis Abdul Samed to return to the Sunderland squad today - and Le Bris intends to give him some minutes in the hope he can build some momentum for the play-offs:
Salis will be back in the squad tomorrow and I think he will get some game time. It's another opportunity for him to reconnect with the team, he's a good player. He's been unlucky this season with his first injury and then a recurrence. He had two opportunities to play and his connection with the team wasn't perfect. But I think he is in a good place now and he knows that the story isn't finished, there is still a big opportunity here. He knows that sometimes the way you finish can hide the story of the season. He knows the opportunity for both him and for us. It's been a weird season for him but he is going to get an opportunity. We need to manage the players in the middle of the pitch so we are going to be adjusting and trying different partnerships, so there are going to be opportunities for Salis.
Swansea City lowdown
An emphatic 3-0 win over Plymouth Argyle in midweek means that Swansea City have allayed any serious relegation concerns and come into the game in decent form.
Interim boss Alan Sheehan is making a very good impression and staking a claim to take the role on a full-time basis. Here’s what he told the BBC after the win in midweek:
When they gave me the job of head coach, I had a duty of care to the football club to make sure we were in the league.
I don't think about me, I think about what's best for the football club.
Whatever happens at the end of the season, it's irrelevant really. As long as my conscience is clear and I have done the best job for this club, I am good with that either way.
Le Bris's mixed injury updates
In terms of the longer-term injuries, Le Bris had good and bad news yesterday.
The bad news is that Jayden Danns won’t feature this season as he recovers from a back problem uncovered in his medical.
The more positive news is that Romaine Mundle should be back for the play-offs, and potentially Aji Alese too which would be a real unexpected boost.
Dan Ballard and Dennis Cirkin both on track in their respective recoveries.
Le Bris's message to the dressing room
The Sunderland head coach is wary of the danger of complacency after securing a play-off place with that draw at Norwich:
If we are relaxed now, we'll be in trouble. We can't just wait until the end of the season and we'll see what will happen.
We have to build this end of the season properly with the same foundations, to build strong momentum. It's not just like a switch on.
What a win!
A very good couple of days for the club’s academy teams...
Sunderland’s U21s drew 2-2 away at Aston Villa last night, securing their place in the end of season play offs. Trey Ogunsuyi also made his comeback from injury in that game
And then this morning, what a result for the U18s against Liverpool!
BREAKING: Harrison Jones gets first league start
Sunderland XI: Patterson, Browne, Mepham, O’Nien, Hume; Neil, Rigg, Jones; Roberts, Watson, Isidor
Subs: Mayenda, Moore, Aleksic, Le Fee, Lavery, Samed, Hjelde, Anderson, Bainbridge
Phil's team news verdict
A very well deserved league start for Harrison Jones, who has taken his chance both on the pitch and behind the scenes so far this season.
No other surprises, really, and how dearly Sunderland would love Wilson Isidor to get back on the goal trail.
Le Bris explains his team selection
Quotes via the SAFC X page:
He deserves to play because he has shown his commitment all season. He is very connected with the team but also has a lot of good qualities. We have five academy players in the team and it shows the identity of the club is very strong. We have young players from our academy and other countries, we are the youngest team in the league and it shows that the future is strong.
Huge results in the lunchtime kick offs!
Leeds United beat Preston North End 2-1, but Sheffield United lose 2-1 at Plymouth Argyle despite taking a first-half lead
Are The Blades play-off bound?
KICK OFF
Swansea City get us started and immediately go long into Sunderland’s left-hand channel.
Throw in, Swansea recycle and start to build up again.
HUGE CHANCE
Swansea should be ahead!
They get to the byline on the left and the cross is perfect. You’re just waiting for them to score but they can’t get the shot away and when they eventually do, it’s straight at Patterson. Make no mistake, Sunderland should be behind here.
Neil slides through Isidor and he beats the goalkeeper, but the offside flag had already been raised.
Isidor did convert the chance, but no goal.
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