Sunderland under-18s return to Wearside this weekend as they welcome Derby County to the Academy of Light.
Here's your all you need to know guide...
Date: Saturday 5 November 2016
Time: 1pm
Location: Academy of Light
Competition: U18 Premier League
Sunderland: LDDLL
Elliott Dickman’s side return to Wearside this weekend looking to put behind them the frustrations of last Saturday’s defeat at Liverpool.
While the Black Cats fell behind after just 16 minutes, Dickman’s troops refused to fold and went about creating a host of chances in an attempt to get back on level terms.
However, the youth team were dealt the ultimate punishment for not taking their chances and the hosts scored a second to inflict back-to-back defeats on Sunderland.
The result has left the under-18s still in search of their first win in the Premier League this season.
Derby County: LWLLW
Currently eighth, Derby have won two of their last five league fixtures.
While victories over Newcastle United and Wolverhampton Wanderers have prevented the Rams slipping down the league, defeats to Everton, Manchester City and Liverpool have halted progress.
Having conceded 16 goals in their last five games, the Rams will need to tighten up at the back if they are to climb the league.
The Last five...
Feb 13 2016 – Derby County U18 1-1 Sunderland U18
Sept 26 2015 – Sunderland U18 2-4 Derby County U18
Apr 2 2015 – Derby County U18 1-0 Sunderland U18
Jan 17 2015 – Derby County U18 3-3 Sunderland U18
Sept 20 2014 – Sunderland U18 0-2 Derby County U18
Focus: Lee Connelly
With four goals already this term for the youth team, Connelly’s goalscoring prowess will be key this weekend. Having created a host of chances last weekend against Liverpool, Dickman will be hoping Connelly is on song this weekend as the under-18s look to clinch their first league win of the season.