The disappointing story of the day as Sunderland suffer a third straight defeat after losing at Blackpool

The Black Cats have lost their last two League One outings meaning their hopes of a top two finish are now out of their hands, with the side reliant on a slip-up from Peterborough United or Hull City.

But a win at Blackpool could give the side the confidence to push on in the final weeks of the campaign, with six games left to play.

Lee Johnson will, however, be without a number of key defenders for the trip to Bloomfield Road – where Sunderland will face a Pool side who have gone 15 games unbeaten and themselves are eyeing a play-off place.

It promises to be an intriguing afternoon and is a game that could have a big bearing on Sunderland’s promotion hopes.

Our team will be bringing you updates, analysis and more from the big game throughout the day.