Sunderland’s Checkatrade Trophy campaign continues tonight as Notts County visit the Stadium of Light (KO 7:30pm).
With the November international break underway, the Black Cats have put their Premier League attentions on hold as they plot their route into round two of this year's EFL competition.
The Magpies have endured a challenging patch of fixtures as they have clinched just one win in their previous seven matches in all competitions, including a 2-2 draw against National League side Borehamwood in the Emirate’s FA Cup.
County head to Wearside knowing only a victory inside 90 minutes will be enough to see them through to round two, after clinching just three points from their opening two matches.
Sunderland, meanwhile, require a point to secure their place in the next round having earned four points at Rochdale and Hartlepool United.
Vito Mannone will make his return from injury and will feature alongside Seb Larsson, Jason Denayer, Donald Love and potentially even on loan winger Adnan Januzaj.
County boss John Sheridan will be without Alex Rodman and Jordan Richards, who were withdrawn with groin injuries at half-time in Sunday's Emirates FA Cup first-round tie against Boreham Wood.
The Black Cats approach the game having lost their last three meetings against County, the latest one being five years ago when goals from Craig Westcarr and Lee Hughes knocked the Lads out for the Emirate’s FA Cup.
OTHER INFO
Ticket information for Saturday’s game is available by clicking here.
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 will also be LIVE on safc.com from 6:30pm.
