Sunderland under-18s return to Wearside this Saturday to host Blackburn Rovers after picking up back-to-back draws on the road.
Here's your all you need to know guide...
Date: Saturday 15 October 2016
Time: 12:30pm
Location: Academy of Light
Competition: U18 Premier League
Sunderland: LLLDD
Elliott Dickman’s side return to Wearside having collected two points from their last couple of away games. While the young Black Cats led 4-1 at Everton, a fine comeback saw Dickman’s side come unstuck as the Toffees earned a share of the spoils. To Sunderland’s credit though, they dusted themselves down and raced into an early lead at league-leaders Manchester United, courtesy of Lee Connelly. The Red Devils struck back and inflicted heartache on the young Black Cats for the second week running.
Blackburn Rovers: LDWWW
Currently fourth in the league, Blackburn head to Wearside keen to extend their unbeaten run to five games. A solid point at home to Manchester City saw Rovers respond to their defeat to Newcastle United before victories over Stoke City, Middlesbrough and West Bromwich Albion catapulted them up the league to fourth.
The Last five...
Feb 9 2016 – Blackburn Rovers U18 2-1 Sunderland U18
Jan 26 2016 – Sunderland U18 2-1 Blackburn Rovers U18
Dec 20 2014 - Sunderland U18 2-0 Blackburn Rovers U18
Nov 18 2014 – Blackburn Rovers U18 4-4 Sunderland U18
Apr 8 2014 – Blackburn Rovers U18 3-1 Sunderland U18
Focus: Adam Bale
The youth team skipper has received a number of plaudits already this season despite a challenging start to the campaign. Bale has led by example throughout, with Connelly among the goals now Bale’s biggest challenge is to make sure the under-18s hold firm to clinch their first win of the season.
