The story of the evening as Sunderland's winless run stretches to seven games after disappointing Blackpool defeat
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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
HT: SUNDERLAND 0-0 BLACKPOOL
And, well, there’s little to say that the scoreline doesn’t already.
Half-chances at either end for O’Brien and Yates but nothing in the way of real quality so far.
The teams are back out!
And it doesn’t look like there will be any changes from the hosts just yet.
Blackpool, too, look to be unchanged.
48 - A half-time tactical change for Sunderland
Lee Johnson has tweaked his shape slightly at the break - and Sunderland are playing a 3-4-3.
It’s Power, O’Nien and Wright at the back with Hume and Gooch as wing-backs.
49 - CHANCE!
Well. we’ve already seen more goalmouth action this half!
Sunderland’s rejigged shape has seen them push forward early on and O’Brien won the hosts a corner.
It went deep to Power who put his foot on the ball on the edge of the box before curling goalwards - with Maxwell having to tip his strike wide.
A good effort, and almost an excellent goal.
53 - Two big opportunities!
A couple of big chances for Sunderland there - who are looking much more threatening.
Firstly McGeady cut in from the left and reached the byline, before managing to dig out a shot which was deflected wide.
Then from the resultant corner, Wyke’s downward header was clawed off the line by Maxwell in the Blackpool goal.
Much better from the hosts.
57 - GOAL BLACKPOOL
Sunderland trail - after a Blackpool wonder goal.
The Pool win their first corner of the half and it’s cleared as far as Kaikai.
He doesn’t even take a touch before rifling home into the top corner from range.
A stunning goal, it must be said, but the Black Cats again find themselves behind.
0-1.