Livingston v Sunderland
Almondvale Stadium
Wednesday 12 July
KO 7.45pm
It’s matchday three in Sunderland’s pre-season and they are about the reach the midway stage of their Scotland trip.
Simon Grayson’s side head to Livingston this evening looking to once again ramp up their preparations another notch, after fitness-fuelled matches at Bury and Hibernian in the last five days.
‘Plenty to work on’
Grayson pulled no punches in his post-match interview with safc.com on Sunday, admitting straight away there is plenty to work on despite being pleased with certain aspects.
While Friday’s trip back from Bury took until the early hours of Saturday morning, Grayson’s side quickly turned their attentions to a six-day spell north of the border with Hibernian swiftly following the next day.
But with an opportunity to rest and recuperate after Easter Road, that has presented Grayson with a chance to hammer home his blueprint as he slowly looks to give his players more minutes, rather than just 45.
John O’Shea, Didier Ndong, Elliot Embleton and Jeremain Lens completed 45 minutes despite only returning to training last Wednesday. Grayson will now be keen to get Tyias Browning, Joel Asoro and Bryan Oviedo, when available, some minutes in the tank.
‘Livingston have that winning feeling’
Livingston, like Hibernian, enjoyed a promotion winning campaign last term. The Lions topped the Ladbrokes Scottish League One table, 19 points clear of Alloa Athletic in second. Losing just seven of their 36 league matches, David Hopkin’s side won 26 of them on route to the title. Livingston ended the season with nine straight wins and 11 victories in their final 11 games. And Hopkins already been working hard on strengthening his squad, signing Scott Robinson, Ross Brown, Josh Peters and Dylan Mackin. However, the Livingston boss lost Liam Buchanan, who was named League One Player of the Year, to Raith Rovers. The 32-year-old enjoyed a fine goalscoring spree and netted 22 goals in all competitions.
Ticket and travel
Adult tickets for the Black Cats’ trip to the Livingston tonight are price at just £15, with over-65s £10 and under-16s £5.
Meanwhile, tickets for the Lads’ visit to St Johnstone on Saturday 15 July (KO 2pm) are priced at £15 for adult and £8 for over-65s and U19s. Children under 13 (accompanied) can get a ticket free of charge, but must be accompanied by an adult.
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!
