The story of the day as Sunderland held by Northampton Town to tee-up Lincoln City play-off tie
and live on Freeview channel 276
The Black Cats have already secured their spot in the top six and are guaranteed to finish in at least fifth, but could climb up to third should results go their way today.
And with a shot at promotion to the Championship ahead, boss Lee Johnson is keen to rack-up another positive result after last week’s encouraging showing at Plymouth Argyle.
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Hide AdSunderland could welcome back Aiden McGeady and Charlie Wyke with Johnson set to make big calls on the duo after they missed out last weekend. The likes of Tom Flanagan, Conor McLaughlin and Jake Vokins may also play some part.
Our team of writers will be in place at the Stadium of Light to bring you all the team news, match updates, analysis and reaction from today’s game.
FT: Sunderland AFC 1-1 Northampton Town (Winchester 87; Hoskins 84)
Key Events
- Sunderland welcome Northampton Town to the Stadium of Light in their final game of the regular League One season (12pm kick-off)
- The Black Cats are guaranteed a top five finish and will today discover their play-off opponents
- Lee Johnson could welcome back Aiden McGeady and Charlie Wyke
- SAFC XI: Burge; McLaughlin, Wright, O’Nien, Hume; Power, Scowen; Diamond, Jones, Gooch; Wyke
Gooooood morning!
And welcome to our live blog!
Well, here we are. 46 League One games, and the regular season comes to an end today with Sunderland welcoming Northampton to Wearside.
Both sides have little to play for, with the Black Cats guaranteed a play-off place and Northampton already relegated.
But with Sunderland still able to finish as high as third, Lee Johnson will no doubt be keen to end the campaign on a high.
So, let’s dive straight into all the build-up...
Here’s how League One is shaping-up ahead of today’s fixtures...
Sunderland are guaranteed to finish within the top five, but could climb to third if results go their way today.
All eyes will be on the race for the final play-off spot as Portsmouth, Oxford and Charlton do battle for sixth.
Here’s the full list of League One fixtures:
- Blackpool v Bristol Rovers
- Charlton Athletic v Hull City
- Crewe Alexandra v Shrewsbury Town
- Doncaster Rovers v Peterborough United
- Gillingham v Plymouth Argyle
- Ipswich Town v Fleetwood Town
- Lincoln City v AFC Wimbledon
- MK Dons v Rochdale
- Oxford United v Burton Albion
- Portsmouth v Accrington Stanley
- Wigan Athletic v Swindon Town
All games will kick-off at 12pm.
Will Grigg has been discussing his future at the Stadium of Light
With his loan deal at MK Dons set to expire, Grigg was quizzed on his future by MKFM.
Here’s what he had to say:
Will GriggIt’s one of those things, I’ve got another year left at Sunderland and as far as I’m aware at the moment I’ll be going back there in pre-season.
Football’s a funny game, you never know what’s going to happen, there’s obviously lots of factors to go in if anything’s going to happen, but the support from the fans has been unbelievable from the first day I came back.
That was part of the reason why I wanted to come back, because of my rapport with the fans and my relationship with the club from previous times, so it’s great to be back and you never know what’s going to happen in the future.
Here’s what Sunderland’s rivals are saying ahead of a big final day in League One...
What Blackpool, Sunderland, Lincoln and their play-off rivals are saying ahead of a dramatic final day
As League One heads into its final weekend, all eyes will be on the race for the play-offs.
Northampton Town have appointed a new manager ahead of today’s game
The Cobblers have confirmed that Jon Brady, who has led the side on a caretaker basis since the dismissal of Keith Curle, has been appointed as manager on a permanent basis.
Brady has penned a two-year contract with the club - and will be looking to end the campaign on a high, despite relegation to League Two.
What are the odds for Sunderland AFC v Northampton Town?
Here are the odds currently being offered by League One title sponsors, SkyBet:
- Sunderland - 8/15
- Draw - 3/1
- Northampton - 9/2
And here’s who the bookies are backing to score first:
- Charlie Wyke - 23/10
- Ross Stewart - 4/1
- Aiden O’Brien - 9/2
- Chris Maguire - 9/2
- Jordan Jones - 9/2
- Lynden Gooch - 9/2
- Danny Rose - 9/1
- Ryan Watson - 9/1
Lee Johnson has revealed how Sunderland will approach today’s game...
The Black Cats’ boss has already hinted that he will use his full compliment of substitutes today - with one eye on the play-offs.
Here’s what he said earlier this week:
Lee JohnsonI want to win the game and I want to perform well. I might use my five subs for this one based on what we require at the moment because we need to be in a position to peak for the play-offs.
We need our best for that moment and I think this is the warm-up for that moment, if you like. I’m excited for the play-offs and I think it’s something we’ve got to enjoy and embrace.
We’d take our game to whoever we played in the final game and I expect us to have the ball a fair amount on Sunday and we have to make sure we do exceptionally well with it because that can breed confidence.
The latest team news from both Sunderland and Northampton Town
Here’s how both squads are shaping-up ahead of the clash:
SUNDERLAND
Lee Johnson will have to decide whether to risk Aiden McGeady and Charlie Wyke after they missed the win at Plymouth Argyle last weekend.
The Sunderland boss hinted earlier this week that the duo could be set to feature, but a balance may have to be struck between protecting the pair and gaining a positive result today.
Elsewhere, Tom Flanagan is nearing a return while Jake Vokins could also be involved after two appearances for the club’s under-23 side. Conor McLaughlin is also expected to play some part.
NORTHAMPTON TOWN
The Cobblers will be without two key players today - with defensive duo Peter Kioso and Joseph Mills both ruled-out.
Jon Brady has also hinted that some young and fringe players could get a chance to impress.
We take a look at the team that could start for Sunderland today...
Will this be the side that Lee Johnson picks for the game?