The story of the night as Sunderland's promotion hopes severely dented after Lincoln City play-off defeat
and live on Freeview channel 276
Having finished the regular season in fourth place, the Black Cats will now face the Imps across two legs for a place in the final at Wembley on May 30.
Waiting beneath the arch will be either Blackpool or Oxford United, but Sunderland will have to navigate their way through a tough task before they can think about a trip to the national stadium.
Advertisement
Hide AdAdvertisement
Hide AdTonight’s game at the LNER Stadium will see Lee Johnson welcome back a couple of key players, but Sunderland are also sweating on some other fitness concerns before the clash.
We’ll have the latest team news from the game right here – as well as match updates, analysis and reaction from the big game via our dedicated team of Sunderland AFC writers.
FT: Lincoln City 2-0 Sunderland AFC (Hopper 51, Johnson 77)
Key Events
- Sunderland travel to Sincil Bank in the first leg of their play-off semi-final this evening.
- The Black Cats are potentially three games away from a return to the Championship.
- Lee Johnson is set to select from nearly a full squad for the game.
- SAFC XI: Burge, Flanagan, Wright, Power, Wyke, Gooch, O’Nien, Scowen, Jones, McGeady, Hume
How can I watch Lincoln City v Sunderland AFC? Is there a live stream?
The League One semi-final first leg clash match between Lincoln City will indeed be shown on television.
The clash will be shown live on Sky Sports Main Event and Sky Sports Football.
Fans can also stream the match for £9.99 without signing up for a contract.
NOW TV can be streamed through a computer or apps found on most smart TVs, phones and consoles.
The Sunderland squad have arrived!
And as expected, the returning Ross Stewart has travelled with the side to Lincolnshire.
Tom Flanagan, who hasn’t played a senior game since the Papa John’s Trophy final, is also part of the travelling party.
The scene is set at Sincil Bank
And team news isn’t far away now...
BREAKING: THE TEAM NEWS IS IN!
And here’s how Sunderland line-up: Burge, Flanagan, Wright, Power, Wyke, Gooch, O’Nien, Scowen, Jones, McGeady, Hume
And on the bench: Matthews, Maguire, Diamond, Leadbitter, McFadzean, Winchester, Stewart
So that’s two changes from the side who drew with Northampton Town, as McGeady and Flanagan come in for Diamond and McLaughlin.
For Flanagan, it’s a first start since the Papa John’s Trophy Final.
It looks like a 4-2-3-1 for Sunderland, with O’Nien at right-back.
And here’s how Lincoln line-up...
They welcome key defender Adam Jackson back into the side, while new addition Josef Bursik starts in goal.
Tonight’s referee is Craig Hicks
You might think you remember the name...
He’s the man who sent-off both Luke O’Nien and Charlie Wyke at Peterborough in 2019. He also sent-off Max Power against Walsall in 2018.
Both O’Nien and Power’s cards were later rescinded.
Let’s hope that isn’t an omen tonight!
Some interesting stuff from the Sky Sports pundits tonight...
Russell Martin, MK Dons managerI think the expectancy is huge. But they’ve got a lot of players who have been in this situation before and that could be a real advantage for them.
And on Lincoln City’s new emergency goalkeeper...
Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink, Burton Albion managerHe’s left footed, which is different. It’s a mental thing - but he is a good goalkeeper. He’s a professional and as a manager if that happens you keep it as simple as possible.