Sunderland under-23s resume their Premier League 2 campaign on Sunday with a crucial fixture against Everton.
The young Black Cats will play host to the Toffees at the Stadium of Light, KO 12pm.
Here’s our all you need to know guide ahead of the match…
LAST TIME OUT
Sunderland under-23s exited the Premier League International Cup earlier this week in heart breaking circumstances. Elliott Dickman’s side were beaten 11-10 on penalties by Newcastle United at the Stadium of Light after the visitors has been second-best throughout the initial 90 minutes. Curtis Good headed home before the half-hour mark for the Magpies, with Lynden Gooch leveling from the spot ten minutes later after being fouled in the box. The Black Cats continued to dominate, and they were rewarded midway through the second period, as Gooch’s second looked to have sealed a place in the last four. But there was a late twist in the tale, as Callum Roberts’ 35-yard stoppage-time free-kick forced an additional 30 minutes, during which Max Stryjek a penalty. A marathon penalty shootout was required but Newcastle came out on top, with Jake Hackett missing the decisive spot kick.
THE LEAGUE CAMPAIGN
Last Saturday’s trip to Manchester United was postponed due to snow. As yet, no new date has been arranged for the crunch fixture to take place. That said, the Black Cats go into this weekend’s match at home to Everton, knowing three huge points are up for grabs. Currently 11th, Dickman’s side are a point adrift of safety with just three to play. The reigning Premier League 2 champions, Everton, meanwhile, head into Sunday’s fixture in fourth and still with an outside chance of regaining their champions crown as they are seven points off the top with and with two games in hand on the league-leaders Leicester City.
ELLIOTT DICKMAN SAYS…
“We will dust ourselves down from Wednesday night. We will look at what we have got. It is a big ask for us with the team being as young as it is but I’m not going to criticism their performance on Wednesday because we asked them to leave everything they had on the pitch and I though they did that. Fair play to the whole squad and like I say we have now got to get ready for a tough game on Sunday against Everton.”
HOW TO GET IN
Entry to the game is free for SAFC season card holders on production of their valid 2017-18 season card at the Stadium of Light. 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.
