‘It’s time to stand up and take responsibility.’
Those were the words from skipper John O’Shea ahead of tonight’s game as the lads look to issue the perfect response to Saturday’s defeat at home to Sheffield United.
Sunderland resume their Sky Bet Championship campaign against Nottingham Forest as the September batch of fixtures gather pace.
- Follow the build-up to Forest at home
- Grayson praises McManaman & Williams
- Cash turnstiles will be in operation at tonight's match
ISSUING A RESPONSE
Without a win in three league matches, Sunderland face Forest looking to secure a valuable three points as the Sky Bet Championship fixtures continue to come thick and fast. Defeat on Saturday to the Blades left Simon Grayson with much to ponder ahead of a quick turnaround for tonight’s visit of Nottingham Forest. Mark Warburton’s side head to the North East having suffered back-to-back defeats against in-form Leeds United and Sheffield Wednesday. However, with three wins in the league already this season, optimism is high in the Forest camp that they can turn their fortunes around.
DON’T I KNOW YOU?
Daryl Murphy is in contention to line-up against his former club tonight on Wearside. Murphy moved to the City ground in the summer from Newcastle United in the summer and has since scored three goals in six league matches. The 34-year-old enjoyed a memorable spell at Sunderland as he was part of Roy Keane’s 2007 promotion winning side to the Premier League. Liam Bridcutt is also a familiar face who is on Forest’s books as to is David Vaughan, however, he seems likely to miss tonight’s match through injury.
FORM GUIDE
It has been 13 years since Sunderland last welcomed Nottingham Forest to Wearside, with the Black Cats running out 2-0 winners. Tonight’s meeting at the Stadium of Light will be the third match between the two sides at the North East venue, with Sunderland undefeated following three matches at the SOL. Forest have lost the last four straight matches against the Black Cats, and have defeated Sunderland just once since 1993.
QUARTET SET TO RETURN?
Simon Grayson didn’t give too much away in his pre-match press conference when quizzed about injuries. Lee Cattermole was a surprise omission from Saturday’s squad after picking up a groin injury during training on Thursday. Aiden McGeady also missed out after being unable to shrug off an injury sustained on international duty while Bryan Oviedo was deemed fatigued upon his arrival from Costa Rica. Lamine Kone will also be assessed ahead of kick-off tonight after he went off at half-time in Saturday’s match.
Matty Cash and Jamie Ward remain absent from Forest’s squad, while former Black Cat midfielder Vaughan is unlikely to return after missing the last three games. Stephen Henderson is available in goal again, however, there was no Eric Lichaj or Michael Mancienne in Saturday’s match against Sheffield Wednesday.
FOLLOW THE ACTION
Cash turnstiles are in operation and information is 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.
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.
