Following a timely international break, Sunderland under-18s have been working tirelessly ahead of their mini Wear-Tyne derby against Newcastle United on Saturday.
Here's your all you need to know guide...
Date: Saturday 10 August 2016
Time: 11am
Location: Academy of Light
Competition: U18 Premier League
Sunderland: L-L-L
Elliott Dickman’s side have endured a challenging start to the new season and so far suffered three straight defeats in as many fixtures. An opening day defeat at Wolverhampton Wanderers was followed by a disappointing return to Wearside as the Lads were downed 4-1 against Stoke City.
And while things turned from bad to worse as Brandon Taylor was dismissed in their next fixture against Middlesbrough after just 15 minutes, an upturn in their performance saw them produce a resilient display.
However, Boro eventually wore the young Black Cats down and struck three times in the final quarter of an hour to seal victory.
Newcastle United: W-D-W
The Magpies have begun their campaign in solid fashion and are so far unbeaten following two wins from three games.
An opening day victory over Everton was then followed by a battling point at West Bromwich Albion a week later.
Newcastle returned to winning ways next time out as they eased past Blackburn Rovers on home soil.
The Last five...
Feb 16 2016 – Sunderland U18 1-0 Newcastle United U18
Sept 19 2015 – Newcastle United U18 0-3 Sunderland U18
Nov 29 2014 – Newcastle United U18 1-1 Sunderland U18
Aug 16 2014 – Sunderland U18 2-1 Newcastle United U18
Jan 11 2014 – Sunderland U18 0-1 Newcastle United U18
Focus: Chris Allan
The combative midfielder has enjoyed a fine run of games at the start of the 2016-17 U18 Premier League following an injury ravaged campaign last term. Allan has displayed a good array of passing and a dogged style alongside skipper Adam Bale in the centre of the park. Their partnership will again be key against Newcastle this weekend.
