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
90+4 - SO CLOSE!
And another big chance!
Power drills in a cross, Maxwell gets a hand to it and it trickles just the wrong side of the post.
FT: SUNDERLAND 0-1 BLACKPOOL
And that’s that.
Sunderland lose, and their winless run stretches to seven games.
Stay tuned for our report, ratings and reaction...
Lee Johnson is speaking now...
Lee JohnsonNot having Dion is a huge blow - but what can you do? We’re still a strong side. We’ve got goals in us - we didn’t score tonight but we showed we could. Now is the time we create that siege mentality.
Lee JohnsonI think the first half was pretty even steven, both sides almost cancelled each other out. Second half it opened up a bit as it always would. Probably today I felt it was the day of all the games that we missed the crowd. I though after they scored - which is a fantastic strike and against the run of play - we were poor then for 10 or 15 minutes until the last 10 minutes where we had a bit of a go.
Our player ratings are in...
Phil Smith's Sunderland AFC player ratings: Two players handed 4s after dismal Blackpool defeat
Sunderland saw their winless run extend to seven games after a 1-0 defeat to Blackpool.