Sunderland’ pre-season campaign comes to an end on Friday with a blistering test against Borussia Dortmund.
The Black Cats are unbeaten heading into Friday’s game against the Bundesliga giants, with David Moyes’ side overcoming Hartlepool United, Rotherham United, Stade Nyonnais and Dijon FCO.
Last time out the Lads were pegged back against Montpellier HSC and forced to settle for a point, but there were once again positives to be had as Fabio Borini notched his second goal in as many games.
Dortmund, meanwhile, have been competing in the illustrious International Champions Cup, during which they thumped Jose Mourinho’s Manchester United before being thwarted by Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City.
Prior to facing the Manchester duo, Thomas Tuchel’s side overcame SpVgg Erkenschwick, Wuppertaler SV and FC St. Pauli, with their only defeat in pre-season coming against 1860 Munich.
Boasting a number of superstars, Dortmund will provide the biggest test for Sunderland during their pre-season campaign, but it comes at a perfect time with the Black Cats opening their Premier League campaign at the Etihad Stadium one week later.
And what better preparation with Dortmund potentially fielding a fierce front three of Andre Schurrle, Mario Gotze and Pierre Emerick-Aubameyang.
Sunderland will be hoping to recall Patrick van Aanholt to the starting XI after he missed last weekend’s draw with Montpellier, but Jermain Defoe is unlikely to feature.
With Borini likely to lead the line once more, a number of other players will also be hoping to take their last chance to impress in order to secure a starting berth on the opening day of the new campaign.
MORE INFORMATION
TICKETS: Tickets can ONLY be purchased online via this link and are not available from Sunderland AFC.
WATCH: Sunderland’s pre-season clash with Borussia Dortmund will be streamed live on the club’s official website.
Click the link to view – safc.com/live.
UPDATES: Alternatively, fans can keep up with all the action by following @SunderlandAFC on Twitter.