Sunderland under-23s will round off their Premier League Cup campaign on Friday evening against Hull City.
Here's your all you need to know guide ahead of the match...
LAST TIME OUT
Sunderland under-23s produced a good account of themselves but tasted defeat as Manchester City left Wearside with all three points last Friday. First-half goals from Rabbi Matondo and Ian Carlo Poveda saw the Citizens get over the line in the Premier League 2 to leave the Black Cats one place off the foot of the table.
AS THINGS STAND
Defeat in Exeter at the start of the month has left the young Black Cats needing an 11 goal swing over second-placed Brighton if they are to progress in this year’s Premier League Cup. Having played five matches in this season's competition, back-to-back defeats to Brighton & Hove Albion have cost Elliott Dickman's side dearly in their quest to advance. However, Sunderland did produce a resounding display against the Tigers earlier in the campaign who sit at the foot of Group H with just four points.
ELLIOTT DICKMAN SAYS...
“We want to approach it with a strong mentality. It is another game of football and when you get to this age group they need to learn to win. We should have done better in this competition than what we have done and shown. The lads might get sick of hearing it from us but if the manager or assistant manager is watching you play you have to raise your game. You have to try that bit harder because it comes down to self and professional pride. One or two of the lads haven’t done that but there are still a handful of games left this season and it is important they show that. When they have shown that they have tended to do quite well.”
WHEN AND WHERE
Sunderland under-23s are in action on Friday 23 February when they host Hull City in the Premier League Cup at Eppleton Colliery Welfare. Kick-off for the tie is at 7pm. Entry is priced at £3 for adults and £1 for over 65s and under 16s, available via cash sales on the day of the game.