Sunderland under-18s head to Stoke City on Friday as the first stage of their Premier League campaign comes to an end.
Date: Friday 24 February 2017
Time: 2pm
Location: Clayton Wood, Stoke
Competition: U18 Premier League
Stoke City: LWWLW
Stoke City have enjoyed an upturn in form recently which has seen them win three of their last five matches.
Victories over Wolverhampton Wanderers, West Bromwich Albion and Newcastle United have seen the Potters move two points clear of Newcastle United in ninth, and three points on Friday would secure Stoke’s place in the second group.
Sunderland: LLWDL
Mark Atkinson’s side saw their two-game unbeaten run halted last weekend as Derby County secured all three points in East Midlands.
Victory over Liverpool was then followed by a hard fought draw at Newcastle United last week. Atkinson’s side need at least a point to move above Wolverhampton Wanderers in the league table.
The Last five...
Aug 20 2016 – Sunderland U18 1-4 Stoke City U18
Nov 28 2015 – Stoke City U18 1-1 Sunderland U18
Sept 12 2015 – Sunderland U18 1-0 Stoke City U18
Feb 21 2015 – Sunderland U18 2-0 Stoke City
Nov 1 2014 – Stoke City U18 1-3 Sunderland U18
Focus: Jack Diamond
The jinky winger has settled into the youth team frame this season and has displayed an array of potential as he looks to continue his development. Unfazed by taking his opponent on, Diamond has pace, quick feet and an eye for goal.
