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
67 - How have Sunderland responded to falling behind?
The Black Cats have yet to create any chances since the opening goal - with Blackpool managing things well.
Neil Critchley’s side are controlling possession where they can and then sitting back and frustrating Sunderland when without the ball, content to play on the counter-attack.
Sunderland need a spark to break them open.
70 - Two more changes for Sunderland...
OFF: Scowen, Leadbitter
ON: Winchester, Jones
And a change for Blackpool...
OFF: Kaikai
ON: Mitchell
73 - CHANCE!
That’s the closest Sunderland have come to a leveller.
After a foul in the middle of the Blackpool half, McGeady floats in a free-kick which finds Stewart at the back post.
He nodded the ball back across goal where Wyke connected - but he was denied at point-blank range by Maxwell, who did well to make himself big.
81 - Sunderland are struggling to create
Ross Stewart has been a good focal point and is giving the Blackpool defenders something to think about, but chances aren’t exactly flowing for the hosts.
Blackpool, meanwhile, look a serious threat on the counter-attack.
83 - A big chance for Blackpool to seal it
And it’s danger man Yates who comes close.
The striker gets on to Mitchell’s flick and drives forward before flashing a shot wide of the near post.
Down the other end, Power then curls wide in a rare sight of goal for Sunderland.
86 - Sunderland are starting to apply some pressure
And the hosts have just been appealing for a penalty after a bit of a scramble in the box - but nothing was given.
Jones then fired well over from range, but Sunderland keep on coming...
90 - We’re into added time...
And there will be at least FIVE minutes of it.
Sunderland still pushing forward...