Our all you need to know guide ahead of Sunderland’s Sky Bet Championship match at Reading on Saturday…
ALL ABOUT THE THREE POINTS
Sunderland’s need for three points is growing game by game. While the Black Cats have stepped up their performance levels in recent weeks, securing five points from their previous four games, victories continue to be hard to come by. All signs looked to be pointing in the right direction on Tuesday when the lads led through George Honeyman’s 63rd minute goal against Norwich City, but lax defending from a set-piece a minute from time cost them dearly as Ivan Pinto touched home to level. That leaves the Black Cats six adrift with four to play. However, should results go Sunderland’s way this weekend then they will be three from safety with as many to play.
ROYAL RUMBLE
Reading have eased their fears of being sucked into a relegation battle of late. Collecting two wins in their previous four fixtures, Paul Clements’s side sit 19th, five clear of the drop zone. Reading are also unbeaten in their previous four home games and they have kept successive clean sheets at the Madejski, with former Black Cat Vito Mannone between the sticks.
SKIPPER DOUBTFUL
Sunderland are expected to be without captain John O’Shea when they travel to Reading on Saturday, Chris Coleman has confirmed. The centre back was forced off against Norwich City on Tuesday due to problems with his back and groin, and the Canaries took advantage to snatch a late point at the Stadium of Light. Marc Wilson and Paddy McNair both missed the midweek clash after starting at Leeds United, but both are expected to return to action along with Lynden Gooch who limped off in midweek with a kick.
FOLLOW THE ACTION
Supporters wishing to buy tickets on the day can do so via the ticket office at the Madejski Stadium.
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.
