Guide to Sunderland under-18s’ Premier League match at Blackburn Rovers.
Date: Saturday 4 February 2017
Time: 12.30pm
Location: Blackburn Rovers Training Centre
Competition: U18 Premier League
Sunderland: WDLLL
Mark Atkinson takes charge of his first game in charge of the youth team this weekend as the young Black Cats prepare for a challenging trip to Blackburn.
While last Saturday saw the youngsters defeated 5-2 against Manchester United, a positive first-half display led there to be some cause for optimism.
With just one defeat in their previous five league matches, Blackburn will provide another tough test.
Blackburn Rovers: WLWWD
Unbeaten in their previous three fixtures, Rovers welcome Sunderland in a rich vein of form and with high hopes of cementing their place in the top four.
Currently three points off Manchester United, victory over the Black Cats could see Rovers move seven points clear of their nearest rivals Everton in fifth.
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: Alex Storey
Sunderland under-18s enter the game on the back of three straight league defeats, and at times like this skipper Alex Storey has a vital role to play. While a sides defensive duties start from the front, duo Brandon Taylor and Storey will be hopeful of tightening things up as the Cats look to claw their way up the league.