Why Sunderland's League One meeting with Wigan Athletic at the Stadium of Light has been delayed

Sunderland’s League One opener against Wigan has been delayed by 15 minutes due to road closures in the local area.

The match at the Stadium of Light will now start at 3:15pm, with the Black Cats set to begin their 2021/22 campaign.

New Sunderland signings Corry Evans and Manchester City loanee Callum Doyle will make their competitive debuts for the Black Cats, while Alex Pritchard will start on the bench following his arrival from Huddersfield.

Due to a lack of senior full-backs, Carl Winchester and Dan Neil will start in defence, while Elliot Embleton has returned to the side following his loan spell at Blackpool last season.

Stadium of Light.placeholder image
Stadium of Light.

Former Sunderland players Charlie Wyke and Max Power will start for Wigan, while Jordan Jones, who was on loan with the Black Cats last season, has been named on the bench.

Sunderland XI: Burge, Winchester, Flanagan, Doyle, Neil, Evans, O’Nien, Embleton, Gooch, McGeady, Stewart.

A message from the Football Clubs Editor

Our aim is to provide you with the best, most up-to-date and most informative Sunderland AFC coverage 365 days a year.

This depth of coverage costs, so to help us maintain the high-quality reporting that you are used to, please consider taking out a subscription to our new sports-only package here.

Your support is much appreciated. Richard Mennear, Football Clubs Editor

News you can trust since 1873
Follow us
© 2026 Iconic Media Group Ltd. All rights reserved.Cookie SettingsTerms and ConditionsPrivacy notice