The story of the day as Sunderland seal a play-off place and end their winless run at Plymouth Argyle
and live on Freeview channel 276
The Black Cats’ defeat at Blackpool on Tuesday evening was another blow as the side look to build-up some momentum ahead of a potential play-off tilt.
Indeed, victory today could secure a top six spot for Sunderland while even other results could see their spot in the play-offs mathematically secured.
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Hide AdAnd Lee Johnson could be able to call upon the returning Conor McLaughlin as he looks to shore-up a defence that have shipped six goals in their last three games.
There could be changes at the other end too, with Johnson set to make big calls on the likes of Jordan Jones in the forward areas.
And our team of writers will be bringing you a stream of team news, updates, analysis and reaction from Home Park as the Wearsiders look to return to winning ways.
FT: Plymouth Argyle 1-3 Sunderland AFC (Edwards 63; Stewart 21, Maguire 84, Hume 90)
Key Events
- Sunderland head to Plymouth Argyle looking to end their seven-game winless run
- Victory at Home Park would secure a play-off spot for the Black Cats
- Lee Johnson could welcome Conor McLaughlin back into the fold after a period on the sidelines
- SAFC XI: Burge; McLaughlin, Wright, O’Nien, Hume; Power, Scowen; Jones, Diamond, Gooch; Stewart
Conor McLaughlin has been speaking ahead of today’s game...
And here’s what the full-back said:
Conor McLaughlinThe firtst injury was my hernia on my right side - then I came back and it started on the other side. Thankfully I got in quickly, the day after the Wigan game.
Obviously it’s been a difficult month for us, but we want to make sure we get in the play-offs. Throughout the season we’ve had a lot of clean sheets, so we want to get back to that. That gave us the foundation to go on the run we did.
It’s a difficult league, every game is a tough game. But with the team we’ve got, we’ve always got confidence going into every game.
1 - Aaaaaaaand we’re off!
The players take the knee - and then Niall Ennis gets us started for the hosts.
2 - How have Sunderland started at Plymouth?
There’s little to report thus far, with both sides knocking the ball nicely along their backlines before seeing attempts to get forward snuffed out with minimal fuss.
As expected though, it’s a 4-2-3-1 for Sunderland today with Gooch playing just behind the lone striker.
4 - An early corner for Sunderland...
Great work from Diamond to take down a raking pass from O’Nien before the ball dropped out of play.
The youngster then found Gooch, whose drilled cross was put behind for a corner.
Jones whipped it in and the ball eventually fell for Wright at the back stick - but his shot was charged down.
8 - Sunderland are trying to get forward
But they’re yet to really threaten, other than that early corner.
There’s been a few uncharacteristically sloppy moments from Jack Diamond in the last few minutes - earning him a stern word from skipper Max Power a few moments ago.
The Black Cats are certainly targeting the right flank - where Plymouth are fielding youngster Ryan Law - and Conor McLaughlin is pushing high when the side are in possession.
9 - CHANCE!
The first shot on target comes for Sunderland and Jordan Jones.
After some good work from Diamond on the right, Jones found himself with space to dig out a shot from 22 yards.
His effort was goalbound but a deflection from a Plymouth man made it easy for home stopper Cooper.
14 - Things are opening up a little bit now
We’re starting to see a few more opportunities now, although there’s still nothing you would describe as clear-cut.
Plymouth look a threat with Mayor and Law on their left-hand side and the latter just delivered a good cross which Burge did well to claim.
And then moments later, some good pressing from Sunderland saw them retain possession - before Stewart saw a shot from range blocked.
15 - The latest scores from around League One
Here’s how the games that could affect Sunderland currently stand...
Accrington Stanley 0-0 Charlton Athletic
AFC Wimbledon 0-0 Portsmouth
Peterborough United 0-0 Lincoln City
Shrewsbury Town 0-1 Oxford United