Sunderland return to Sky Bet Championship action on Saturday as Queen Park Rangers travel to the Stadium of Light (KO 3pm).
The Black Cats picked up a point last time out against Preston North End, but after a two-week international break, attention if firmly fixed on claiming a first home win in 2017.
IS SATURDAY THE DAY?
Sunderland’s wait for a home win has stretched into its tenth month, with the Lads last home win coming way back in December when Watford were defeated. Simon Grayson was unfortunate not to end that run in his first competitive game as Derby County clung on for a point, and they were equally frustrated as Nottingham Forest weathered a lengthy storm before striking late on to clinch an unlikely, and underserved, win. But, after bouncing back from defeat against Ipswich Town at Deepdale, the Black Cats enter Saturday’s game with confidence on the rise and a fierce determination building within the camp.
AWAY-DAY FRUSTRATION
Only Birmingham City (1) have picked up less points on the road than Queens Park Rangers this season (2), but despite their frustration on the road, the R’s sit 16th in the Sky Bet Championship table. Speaking ahead of the game, Ian Holloway admitted he was disappointed with the Hoops’ points tally on the road, but he refused to blame his players and demanded more of the same, albeit with a little more luck. The trip is QPR’s longest of the season with the R’s set to clock up 554 miles, and expect a winner with just one of the last ten meetings between the sides ending level. Jamie Mackie, Matt Smith and Connor Washington lead the way in terms of scoring, with the trio scoring three apiece. But Luke Freeman is the man who seems to make the Hoops tick, with the former Stevenage man scoring twice and assisting four in 11 league appearances this season.
LAST TIME OUT
Paddy McNair was the star of the show in the last meeting between the two sides, with the Northern Ireland international scoring twice in a 2-1 EFL Cup win in September 2016. Sandro opened the scoring but Sunderland struck back as McNair and Watmore combined before the midfielder grabbed the winner late on. McNair won’t feature this weekend, though, with the Northern Irishman set to continue his comeback from injury on Monday when the under-23s face Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium. The last meeting between the clubs at the Stadium of Light saw the R’s clinch a 2-0 win as they banished their away-day blues, but Sunderland had the last laugh as the Londoners were relegated and the Black Cats survived.
DECISIONS, DECISIONS
Last month’s draw at Preston saw Duncan Watmore impress on his return from injury, but after featuring for the under-23s on Tuesday, the youngster is unlikely to be granted a starting berth. Grayson does have a plethora of options in the final third, though, with Jonny Williams and Callum McManaman pushing for a place in the starting XI. But the Sunderland boss may be tempted to keep the faith, with George Honeyman and Lynden Gooch both taking their chance last time out, as the former opened the scoring. At the back, Grayson also has decisions to make, with John O’Shea and Ty Browning looking to retain their starting spots as the likes of Lamine Kone and Bryan Oviedo seek a recall. Josh Maja and Lewis Grabban are progressing well but aren’t expected to feature.
R’S WITHOUT DEFENSIVE QUARTET
Former Black Cat Nedum Onuoha is one of four QPR defenders unavailable for selection at the Stadium of Light. The right-back, who spent the 2010-11 season on loan with the Lads, suffered a hamstring injury in September and is set to miss the next month, with former England defender Steven Caulker also unfit. Grant Hall and former Newcastle United man James Perch are also out, meaning Alex Baptiste, who worked under Grayson at Blackpool, is likely to continue at centre back. Massimo Luongo, Ryan Manning, Washington, Pawel Wszolek and Idrissa Sylla came through the international break unscathed.
FOLLOW ALL THE ACTION
Tickets will be on sale via the ticket office and the turnstiles on Saturday – details are available by clicking here.
But if you’re unable to attend the game we have comprehensive coverage of all 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 2pm, with minute-by-minute analysis available right here and across social media from Twitter to Instagram.