The story of the evening as Sunderland's youngsters play out draw with League Two side Tranmere Rovers

And welcome to our live blog!

Sunderland play their penultimate friendly of the summer this evening as they head to League Two side Tranmere Rovers.

Lee Johnson will no doubt be hoping for a repeat of the performance at Harrogate Town, where the Black Cats were mightily impressive in their 4-0 win.

But with a number of changes expected, it could be a more difficult proposition against a side expected to battle for promotion from the fourth tier.

I’m Mark Donnelly and, along with our chief football writer Phil Smith, I’ll be bringing you the latest from Prenton Park.

Sunderland will be streaming the game via safc.com, with streaming passes priced at £5.99.

Tranmere Rovers will also offer a stream of the fixture.

Sunderland are set to complete the signing of Liverpool full-back Tony Gallacher – according to reports.

Alan Nixon of the Sun claims that the 22-year-old is set join the Black Cats on a loan deal, and that the move could be completed as early as Wednesday.

Sudnerland have been searching for a left-back for most of the summer having allowed Callum McFadzean to depart following the expiration of his contract.

Denver Hume, meanwhile, is continuing to mull over his contract offer – although hopes remain high that he will commit his future to the club.

Regardless of that, however, a new left-sided defender was still high on Sunderland’s wanted list.

Sunderland will use this evening’s game as a chance to rotate their squad and hand minutes to those who have struggled for game time in pre-season thus far.

Bailey Wright is expected to feature, as is Will Grigg, while some of the club’s younger players may also be in-line for an opportunity.

Lynden Gooch could also return after missing the win at Harrogate with a niggle.

Arbenit Xhemajli and Jordan Willis remain long-term absentees.

Predicted Sunderland XI: Patterson; Richardson, Younger, Wright, Newall; Wilding, Hawkes, Winchester; Gooch, Diamond, Grigg

And it’s certainly a youthful group.

Kenton Richardson, Dan Neil, Ellis Taylor and Josh Hawkes are all inspecting the playing surface.

It’s set to be an inexperienced team named by the Black Cats tonight - although the likes of Will Grigg and Bailey Wright will be involved.

And here’s how Sunderland line-up: Patterson; Richardson, Younger, Wright, Dyce; Neil, Wilding, O’Brien; Grigg, Diamond, Taylor

And on the bench: Hawkes, Kimpioka, Newall, Almond, Harris, Sohna, Carney

So as expected it’s a young team for the Black Cats, while both Will Grigg and Bailey Wright gain valuable minutes.

It looks to be a 4-2-3-1 with O’Brien playing just behind Grigg with Taylor and Diamond on either flank.

Tranmere include former Sunderland man Callum McManaman in their side today.

Under-23 management pair Elliott Dickman and Michael Proctor have travelled with the senior coaches.

Mark Prudhoe is once again working with the goalkeepers.

It’s a first away day for the Sunderland faithful since the trip to Gillingham in March 2020.