Sunderland hit the road for the fourth time in August tonight when they travel to Carlisle United in the Carabao Cup.
The Black Cats returned to Wearside on Saturday following three successive away matches, only to suffer their first defeat of the season at the hands of Leeds United.
Tonight’s trip to Brunton Park though, provides Grayson with the perfect opportunity to tinker with his side as the lads look to advance into round three of the cup competition.
CHANGES AT THE READY
Simon Grayson made four changes to his team at Bury in the first round, calling on Wahbi Khazri, Darron Gibson, Adam Matthews and John O’Shea to start. Speaking at his pre-Carlisle press conference yesterday Grayson revealed Khazri would start alongside Bryan Oviedo, who comes in to replace Brendan Galloway on his return from an ankle injury. Elsewhere, Grayson remained coy on revealing whether Robbin Ruiter, Jack Rodwell or any youngsters would feature as he looks to freshen things up.
Carlisle, meanwhile, could be strengthened by fit-again Jason Kennedy who was an unused substitute in Saturday’s 3-0 home win over Cheltenham Town. But winger John O’Sullivan will once again miss out as he continues his rehabilitation with a groin injury.
TAKE YOUR CHANCE
With changes on the cards at Carlisle United tonight, Simon Grayson has urged his players who are likely to come into the side to stake their claim. Saturday aside, the Black Cats have enjoyed a pleasing start to the Sky Bet Championship and their season in general. While Sunderland continue to chase their first home win of the season, Grayson’s side return to the road where they have so far enjoyed some success this season, with two wins from three outings. But the next challenge is now at Brunton Park, with the aim to return to winning ways and advance into round three of the Carabao Cup.
TALE OF THE TAPE
Carlisle United have enjoyed a strong start to life in Sky Bet League Two, sitting fifth and a point off leaders Swindon Town. Having finished sixth last season, the Cumbrians endured play-off heartache when they lost to Exeter City in the semi-final. But Keith Curle’s side have begun the new campaign well, picking up six points from a possible nine. After losing their opening day match against league-leaders Swindon, Curle’s team have since won three on the bounce. But if Carlisle are to continue their unbeaten run tonight, they will have to overcome Sunderland for the first time since 1975. The Black Cats are undefeated in their previous nine meetings against Carlisle, having not lost to the Cumbrians since their 1-0 defeat in the Anglo-Scottish Cup.
OH GEORGIE!
George Honeyman has been like a ray of sunshine in Sunderland’s team this season. The youngster has scored twice in August and is currently the club’s second highest goalscorer behind Lewis Grabban who has struck three times. The first round of the Carabao Cup proved to be a memorable night for Honeyman as it was when he netted a clean chip over the on-rushing Joe Murphy to score his first senior goal in red and white. The 23-year-old then followed that up with his second goal a week later, this time composing himself inside the area to clinically fire home Aiden McGeady’s cross. Keep it up, George!
FOLLOW ALL THE ACTION
Sunderland will be backed by over 1,800 fans at Brunton Park tonight, so if you aren’t one of the fans
As always, we will be supplying our comprehensive coverage of the action as it happens across our digital channels, including our matchday centre.
Nick Barnes and Gary Bennett will be in the commentary booth from 7pm, with minute-by-minute analysis available right here and across social media from Twitter to Instagram.
Ha’way the Lads!
