Sunderland under-23s return to Wearside on Friday as they resume their Premier League Cup campaign.
Ahead of the match safc.com has put together an all you need to know guide...
Fixture: Sunderland U23 v Blackburn Rovers U23
Location: Eppleton CW
Date and kick-off: Friday 4 November, KO 7pm
Competition: Premier League Cup
How they line-up: Blackburn Rovers U23
League position: 8th
League wins: 3
League defeats: 4
League goals scored: 7
League goals conceded: 10
Form guide in all competitions: WLDLL
Last time out: Aston Villa U23 4-0 Sunderland U23 (rovers.co.uk)
Rovers' development squad were on the end of heavy 4-0 defeat to Aston Villa on Monday night.
But that didn't tell the whole story at Walsall's Banks's Stadium as Damien Johnson's side dominated the match for large periods, but as has been the case in recent weeks, they were unable to find the back of the net.
Had Rovers had taken their early chances it could have been a different match as Connor Mahoney, Lewis Hardcastle, Willem Tomlinson and Lewis Mansell all went close, but instead it was the hosts who were ruthless in front of goal.
Aaron Tshibola fired Villa in front on 25 minutes, before Gabby Agbonlahor crossed for Rushian Hepburn-Murphy to add a second soon after.
Rovers had more than enough chances to reduce the deficit in the second half, but Villa were much more clinical in front of goal as further strikes from Hepburn-Murphy and Andre Green meant a disappointing night in the Midlands.
Spotlight – Blackburn Rovers U23 coach Damien Johnson
Born in Lisburn, Northern Ireland, in 1978, Johnson began his career at Blackburn Rovers and went on to make just shy of 60 appearances at Ewood Park.The central midfielder then moved to Birmingham City in 2002 and Johnson enjoyed a fine spell in the West Midlands as he made almost 200 appearances. Spells at Plymouth Argyle, Huddersfield Town and Fleetwood Town followed before he retired in 2013. Since bringing an end to his playing days, Johnson rejoined Rovers in 2014 as their under-23s head coach.
Key battle: George Brady v Lewis Mansell
Having shipped four goals in Friday’s defeat at Arsenal, George Brady, along with the rest of Sunderland under-23s backline, will be keen to rekindle some solidarity. However, Brady and co are likely to have little rest as Mansell looks to continue his impressive vain of form. While Rovers have failed to score in any of their last four matches, Mansell has scored three times in eight Premier League 2 appearances. A tall and combative forward, the 18-year-old enjoyed a fine campaign last terms as he bagged 18 goals for the youth team and then a further six as he stepped up into Johnson’s development side.