The story of the day as Charlie Wyke and Max Power lose out on Sunderland return after Aiden McGeady and Ross Stewart goals
And Sunderland are set to welcome back three familiar faces to Wearside as Wigan Athletic travel north.
Former Cats striker Charlie Wyke – who netted 31 goals in all competitions last season – is set for a reunion with Lee Johnson, alongside ex-captain Max Power and former loanee Jordan Jones.
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Hide AdSunderland, however, look set to be boosted by the return of Aiden McGeady after he missed pre-season games against Harrogate Town and Hull City.
The Black Cats will also welcome fans back to the Stadium of Light without capacity restrictions for the first time since March 2020.
Here, though, Echo writers Phil Smith, Joe Nicholson and James Copley will be bringing you live coverage throughout the day plus minute-by-minute updates of the action as Sunderland look to start the League One season with a win.
Sunderland 2-1 Wigan Athletic
Key Events
- Sunderland face Wigan Athletic at the Stadium of Light this afternoon (3pm kick-off)
- SAFC XI: Burge, Winchester, Neil, Doyle, Flanagan, Evans, Embleton, O’Nien, Gooch, McGeady, Stewart
- WAFC XI: Amos, Pearce, Naylor, Whatmough, Edwards, Power, Lang, Long, Darikwa, Keane, Wyke
45 - Four mins added on at the Stadium of Light
Sunderland looking to grab a goal before half-time as Ross Stewart’s headed effort is just wide of Amos’ post.
And that’s half-time.
Aiden McGeady netted a penalty to level the scores after Gwion Edwards put Wigan ahead.
46 - Back underway
We’re back underway at the Stadium of Light with Sunderland kicking towards the North Stand
53 - GOAAAAAAAL
It’s 2-1 to Sunderland after Ross Stewart heads in Embleton’s corner! The Black Cats take the lead for the first time in the match!
59 - Foul on O’Nien
Luke O’Nien takes a heavy knock in the middle of the park to win a free-kick for Sunderland. Gooch collects it on the right but Wigan get away... only as far as Flanagan who starts the attack once more
62 - Flanagan down
Flanagan is down with a knock as Sunderland fans ask Charlie Wyke what the score is... the physio has cleared Flanagan to play on as Stewart misses a chance up the other end.
67 - GOOCH HITS BAR
Lynden Gooch cuts in on his left foot and rattles the bar with the ball bouncing down into the goalmouth but not over the line... Sunderland wouldn’t mind a third goal here.