The dramatic story of the day as Sunderland drop more points against Accrington Stanley

Sunderland welcome Accrington Stanley to the Stadium of Light looking to end their five-game winless run in League One.
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The Black Cats have seen their automatic promotion hopes fade after a disappointing few weeks, although there were some promising signs to come from the side’s 2-2 draw at Hull City in midweek.

And that will give Lee Johnson the confidence that his team can secure a much-needed victory against Accrington Stanley this afternoon.

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However, they may have to do so without the influential Aiden McGeady, who is a doubt ahead of the clash.

Sunderland v Accrington Stanley: Live stream, latest score, match updates, team news, transfer rumours and oddsSunderland v Accrington Stanley: Live stream, latest score, match updates, team news, transfer rumours and odds
Sunderland v Accrington Stanley: Live stream, latest score, match updates, team news, transfer rumours and odds

Accrington, meanwhile, still hold hopes of a play-off place themselves and clinched an impressive win over Doncaster Rovers in midweek.

Our team of writers will be bringing you match updates, analysis and reaction from the Stadium of Light – as Sunderland look to cement their play-off place while applying more pressure on Hull and Peterborough United in the top two.

FT: Sunderland AFC 3-3 Accrington Stanley (Wyke 6, 11, Power 83; Bishop 51, O’Nien OG 68, McConville 85)

Key Events

  • Sunderland face Accrington Stanley looking to end their five-game winless run in League One
  • The Black Cats showed signs of promise in midweek as they drew with table-topping Hull City
  • Aiden McGeady is a doubt for the game with a foot injury
  • SAFC XI: Burge; Power, Wright, O’Nien, Hume; Scowen, Winchester, Gooch, McGeady; O’Brien, Wyke

And welcome to our live blog!

It’s back on home soil for Sunderland today as they welcome an Accrington Stanley side who they faced little over a month ago.

After a midweek draw at table-topping Hull City, Lee Johnson’s side will be hoping to end their five-game winless run today - but they may have to do so without Aiden McGeady.

We’ll have the latest on his potential inclusion plus updates, analysis and reaction throughout the afternoon.

So, let’s get cracking then...

Here’s how the League One table looks ahead of today’s fixtures

Wins for Hull City and Peterborough United would put them in a very healthy position, while a Sunderland triumph would move the side closer to mathematically securing a play-off berth.

League One tableLeague One table
League One table

And here’s the fixtures taking place in League One today:

  • Portsmouth v Bristol Rovers (1pm)
  • Crewe Alexandra v Rochdale
  • Gillingham v Northampton Town
  • MK Dons v Swindon Town
  • Oxford United v Plymouth Argyle
  • Wigan Athletic v Burton Albion
  • Lincoln City v Hull City
  • Charlton Athletic v Peterborough United
  • Ipswich Town v AFC Wimbledon
  • Blackpool v Shrewsbury Town
  • Doncaster Rovers v Fleetwood Town

All games are 3pm kick-offs unless otherwise indicated

Will Aiden McGeady be fit for Sunderland today?

The winger missed the midweek game at Hull City due to swelling on his foot - and is rated as 50/50 to feature today.

Speaking on Thursday, Lee Johnson said:

He’s tough, like I said, so he wants to play.

It’s still very bruised, but at the same time it is a superficial injury. It’s not anything bone related or ligament related – so if you can handle the pain and smash in one from 25 yards, hopefully in the top corner, then you can play.

Lee Johnson on Aiden McGeady

Sunderland linked with summer transfer move for striker

Sunderland are one of several sides who have been linked with Morecambe attacker Carlos Mendes Gomes.

The 22-year-old winger has scored 15 goals in League Two this season, with The Shrimps sitting fourth in the table.

According to Football League World, several clubs, including Sunderland, Cardiff, Peterborough and Barnsley, are keeping an eye on the wideman.

Here’s the view from the Accrington Stanley camp

Accy boss John Coleman has certainly been complimentary about Sunderland!

Speaking to the club’s official website, he said:

Logic says an empty stadium should favour us rather than the home side, but I am not thinking about that. I am thinking how we play against 11 Sunderland players not the very passionate and vociferous Mackems.

It’s nice to be going to these places like the Stadium of Light but these clubs should be playing higher. Sunderland have got a marvellous fan base, great, passionate fans, they are a massive club that unfortunately isn’t where it should be in my opinion and I would like to see them restored to where they should be in the leagues.

Lee has done well, he knows his onions, he has not gone into a team in freefall, they have got a good squad of players, a healthy budget, a marvellous training ground and he will believe he has a great chance of getting them promoted.

John Coleman

Lee Johnson has this message for his squad ahead of today’s game

The Sunderland chief is certainly wary of the threats that Accrington can pose...

What are the odds for Sunderland v Accrington Stanley?

Here’s the odds currently being offered by League One title sponsors Sky Bet:

  • Sunderland - 8/15
  • Draw - 3/1
  • Accrington Stanley - 19/4

And here’s who they are tipping to score first:

  • Charlie Wyke - 23/10
  • Aiden O’Brien - 9/2
  • Jordan Jones - 9/2
  • Chris Maguire - 9/2
  • Ross Stewart - 9/2
  • Lynden Gooch - 9/2
  • Dion Charles - 6/1

The latest team news from both camps

Here’s how the two squads are shaping-up ahead of today’s game:

SUNDERLAND

The Black Cats have no fresh injury worries after their midweek draw at Hull City.

Remi Matthews could return to the bench after a toe injury, while all eyes will be on Aiden McGeady to see whether he makes the squad.

Aiden McGeady could return for Sunderland against Accrington StanleyAiden McGeady could return for Sunderland against Accrington Stanley
Aiden McGeady could return for Sunderland against Accrington Stanley

Tom Flanagan, Jake Vokins and Conor McLaughlin are all moving towards returns - but this game may come too soon for them.

Arbenit Xhemajli and Jordan Willis are longer-term absentees.

ACCRINGTON STANLEY

John Coleman could welcome back two key man this afternoon.

Joe Pritchard is back in contention, while Joe Maguire returns after an illness.

How can I watch Sunderland v Accrington Stanley? Is there a live stream?

Yes - Sunderland v Accrington Stanley can be watched on safc.com.

You can purchase a streaming pass to watch the live stream for £10.

Our team are in place at the Stadium of Light!