Sunderland return to Premier League action on Saturday taking on Stoke City at the Bet365 Stadium (KO 3pm).
The Black Cats picked up a point in their last outing prior to the international break, with Patrick van Aanholt coming off the bench to strike late on and earn the Black Cats’ second point of the season.
Like the Lads, Stoke are without a Premier League win during the current campaign, but they too secured a late point in their last outing with Joe Allen netting against Manchester United at Old Trafford.
Both sides, however, will not be at full strength with injuries severely hampering both manager’s options.
Vito Mannone, Seb Larsson and Fabio Borini remain long-term absentees, with Adnan Januzaj and Jan Kirchhoff also facing lengthy spells in the treatment room.
Lee Cattermole and Steven Pienaar, who missed the draw against West Brom, remain unavailable and the Black Cats could also be without Lamine Kone and Jason Denayer.
For Sunderland’s full team news please click here.
Stoke, meanwhile, are sweating on the fitness of Joe Allen, but Glen Johnson is certain to miss out due to a thigh strain which could rule the England international out for up to a month.
Jack Butland, Steven Ireland and Ibrahim Afellay are also out.
The Black Cats are unbeaten in their last five league games against the Potters winning three and drawing two, with David Moyes losing just three of 13 managerial encounters with Mark Hughes.
Sunderland’s last trip to the Bet365 Stadium ended in late, late drama as Jermain Defoe’s penalty in the 94th minute rescued a point for the Black Cats.
Marko Arnautovic was on target for the Potters and Kevin Ball has highlighted the Austrian as a primary threat ahead of Saturday’s game, which will be the 148th meeting between the sides.
OTHER INFO
Tickets for Saturday’s game are sold out.
If you can’t make the game, then don’t fear because we have every base covered with extensive coverage on safc.com and on Twitter by following @SunderlandAFC.
Nick Barnes and Gary Bennett are this weekend’s commentary team.