Sunderland under-23s’ final home game of the season sees them welcome league-leaders Leicester City to the Stadium of Light on Sunday, KO 12pm.
Ahead of the fixture which holds so much importance for both sides, read our match preview below…
LAST TIME OUT
Sunderland under-23s missed the chance to move out of the Premier League 2 relegation zone last Friday as they fell to defeat at Manchester United. After a tense opening to proceedings, United built an assured lead at the midway interval after Tahith Chong and Zak Dearnley struck. The hosts then romped through the gears in the second 45 and swiftly put the game beyond doubt as Indy Boonen and Joe Riley added to the scoreline before the hour mark.
HOW THINGS STAND
Should either Arsenal or Swansea secure the points when the two sides lock horns on Friday night then that will see a new leader in the Premier League 2. Victory for Leicester against Sunderland would see the Foxes return to the summit while should the points remain on Wearside then the Black Cats would move out of the drop zone.
DICKMAN SAYS
“The message is to reach the levels we did against Everton in our last home match. We have performed very well in the two games against Leicester already this season. We have played them in the league and the International Cup and we have done quite well. We cannot lose the game. We have got to make sure we are competitive. There is that edge to their game in training, but we need to see that in matches. They didn’t do that at Old Trafford last week but that’s young players and that’s the biggest hurdle in their development.”
HOW TO GET IN…
Entry to the game is free for SAFC season card holders on production of their valid 2017-18 season card. Entry for non-season card holders is priced at £3 for adults and £1 for over 65s and under 16s, available via cash sales on the day of the game. All tickets are sold subject to ground regulations.
