The story of the evening as Sunderland's winless run stretches to seven games after disappointing Blackpool defeat
and live on Freeview channel 276
The poor run of form has seen the Black Cats slide away from automatic promotion contention, with the play-offs looking increasingly likely.
Indeed, a top six finish could be mathematically secured this evening should Lee Johnson’s side overcome Blackpool – whom tasted victory when the sides met just two weeks ago.
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Hide AdSunderland will have to do without Dion Sanderson for the remainder of the campaign after it was confirmed that he would be sidelined for six weeks, and Johnson could therefore be pondering a defensive reshuffle ahead of tonight’s fixture.
Decisions will also have to be made over the likes of Denver Hume and Aiden McGeady ahead of a potential play-off tilt.
Our team of writers will be bringing you the latest from the Stadium of Light throughout the evening – with team news, analysis, updates and reaction from the League One clash.
FT: Sunderland AFC 0-1 Blackpool (Kaikai 57)
Key Events
- Sunderland welcome Blackpool to the Stadium of Light looking to end their six-game winless run.
- A victory for the Black Cats - coupled with results elsewhere - could see them mathematically secure a play-off spot.
- Lee Johnson has made one change to his team after the draw with Accrington Stanley on Saturday.
- SAFC XI: Burge, Power, Wright, O’Nien, Hume, Gooch, Scowen, Leadbitter, McGeady, O’Brien, Wyke
Our team are in place at the Stadium of Light!
And the rain is hammering down here on Wearside.
Thankfully, the pitch is holding up well and there’s no signs of any standing water. Fingers crossed it stays that way!
Team news isn’t far away...
And as they tend to do, the two goalkeepers not starting tonight have come out to warm-up.
Tonight, that’s Anthony Patterson and Remi Matthews - the latter of whom played for the under-23 side yesterday.
BREAKING: THE TEAM NEWS IS IN!
And here’s how Sunderland line-up tonight: Burge, Power, Wright, O’Nien, Hume, Gooch, Scowen, Leadbitter, McGeady, O’Brien, Wyke
And on the bench: Maguire, Matthews, Diamond, McFadzean, Winchester, Jones, Stewart
That’s just one change from the weekend as Grant Leadbitter comes into the side in place of Carl Winchester.
Otherwise it’s as you were!
Here’s the full team news from the Stadium of Light
And the big news from the Blackpool camp is that former Black Cat and academy graduate Ethan Robson starts.
Sunderland are out to warm-up
And thankfully, the rain seems to be dying down (famous last words... and it’s still freezing!).
Oliver Younger is once again warming-up as the ‘extra man’ with the outfield players tonight, with Sunderland still thin on the ground when it comes to defenders.
A quick change for Jordan Jones!
He heads to the sidelines to change his boots - just as the rain starts-up again.
Definitely going to need some extra grip tonight...
Grey clouds gathering ahead of kick-off...
Here’s hoping the rain doesn’t play too much of a part this evening!
Not long to go now!
And the two teams have just retreated back down the tunnel (or the concourse, in the case of Blackpool - given both teams are now using separate entrances to the pitch after the Oxford United game).
But anyway, stick with us for live updates of tonight’s big game...