Sunderland hit the road this weekend to take on Brentford for the first time since 2006.
Simon Grayson’s side will be looking to build on consecutive draws in the Sky Bet Championship, and we’ve got all you need to via the preview below…
BACK ON THE ROAD
After returning to action following the international break against QPR, Sunderland will be seeking to build on two draws in their last two games and gain a coveted league win at Griffin Park. The Black Cats currently sit 23rd in the table but after coming through a torrid time with injuries, now is the time to kickstart their campaign and build momentum.
HOME DISCOMFORTS
Brentford’s home form isn’t quite as poor as the Black Cats’, but it is something Grayson’s men can capatalise on when they travel to London. The Bees have won just won of their last six home games in league competition, but that victory did come last time out against Millwall. Dean Smith’s side were tipped to be play-off contenders ahead of the campaign and the Bees boss will be hoping his side have turned a corner, but, like the Lads, the next few games are likely to shape the remainder of their season with the margin for error diminishing by the week.
MCGEADY MAGIC
Aiden McGeady has been the standout performer in recent weeks, and with three goals in his last three games he’s definitely the man to watch at Griffin Park. The winger has adopted a free role in large parts of the games, popping up on both wings while also playing – and scoring his goals – from a central position, and the return of Duncan Watmore and Lewis Grabban will only further his influence with new space created to exploit. McGeady, 31, currently tops the Sunderland scoring charts with four but he’s also contributed three assists, with Lynden Gooch the only other Black Cat to match that tally.
TEAM NEWS
Grabban will be targeting a start against the Bees but competition for places is fierce in the final third, with Callum McManaman, George Honeyman, Gooch, McGeady and James Vaughan also available for selection. Jonny Williams could also be added to that list but the Welshman is nursing a tight hamstring so might not make the trip to the capital. Lamine Kone, who missed last weekend’s game due to illness, is back in training, though, with Marc Wilson and Ty Browning also nearing a return. Elsewhere, Paddy McNair and Josh Maja will continue their recoveries with the under-23s on Friday at Everton.
FOLLOW THE ACTION
Tickets are sold out but we have comprehensive coverage of all the action as it happens across our digital channels.
Nick Barnes and Gary Bennett will be in the commentary booth from 2pm, with minute-by-minute analysis available right here and across social media from Twitter to Instagram.