Hibernian v Sunderland
Easter Road
Sunday 9 July
KO 2pm
Less than 48 hours after getting their pre-season off to a winning start, Simon Grayson's Sunderland head north of the border to start a six-day spell in Scotland.
An inspired second-half display from Josh Maja saw him bag a brace, to help the Lads come from 2-0 down to win 3-2.
Jack Rodwell, who played the opening 45, managed to find the net with one of his attempts after Callum Reilly and Andrew Tutte had given the Shakers a commanding lead inside 27 minutes.
But hard work, grit and steel, three traits Grayson has demanded from his side, came to the floor in the second period as a youthful Sunderland XI edged to victory.
‘The youth’
Grayson commented in his post-match notes about the impact the young guns had on Friday evening, and they will undoubtedly be required again this afternoon as newly-promoted Hibernian provide the next challenge.
The 57-year-old revealed last week to safc.com that John O’Shea and Didier Ndong could be among those who return for the Hibs match. That could also make way for new faces Brendan Galloway and Tyias Browning to get their first run out in red and white.
Delighted to be joining @SunderlandAFC on loan. Can't wait to get started! pic.twitter.com/CUYLdJGCZi
— Ty Browning (@tybrowning) 8 July 2017
‘Lennon’s Hibs are flying’
Neil Lennon’s troops are preparing for their first season back in the big time. Promotion last term was achieved in a breeze with just three defeats in 36 league matches. Having finished 11 points clear of their nearest challengers, Falkirk, Lennon instilled a newfound belief in his side which will by vital as they look to cement their place in the Scottish Premier League.
So who is worth looking out for? Danny Swanson provides a creative spark in the advanced areas. The new signing from St Johnstone netted 15 goals last year and has already opened his Hibs account with his first goal in a 4-0 win over Dunfermline. While Lennon lost 19-goal hero Jason Cummings to Nottingham Forest, another new recruit, Simon Murray, will be keen to hit the ground running as soon as possible. Murray joined from Dundee United after scoring 18 goals for the Tannadice club.
Tickets and travel
Tickets are priced at £20 for adults and £10 for over-65s, under-18s and full-time students with a valid student card. Proceeds from the match will be shared by various charities chosen by Stevenson, including Cardiac Risk in the Young and Leith Links.
How to keep up to date
Unlike last pre-season, safc.com will no longer be offering a free streaming service for those wishing to tune in and watch the matches.
Fans can, however, keep up-to-date with all the action through our live audio service with commentators Nick Barnes and Stuart Vose.
There will be a minute-by-minute analysis of the action on safc.com and various updates on the club’s Twitter, Instagram, Snapchat and Facebook.
Ha’way the Lads!
