Sunderland return to familiar surroundings this weekend following two successful road trips.
Based in London for the bulk of last week, the Black Cats returned to Wearside on Saturday evening with six points and still undefeated in the league.
Up to second, Ross’ side showed true grit and resilience once more as they came from behind at Gillingham and then again at AFC Wimbledon to collect maximum points.
A big 4-1 win at Priestfield saw the Lads get things started before an unlikely Lee Cattermole doubled helped them came from behind to defeat the Wombles in their backyard last weekend.
Perfect.
Tomorrow’s opponents Oxford United head to Wearside for a 3pm kick-off facing a different challenge on their hands. Struggling at the lower end of Sky Bet League 1, Karl Robinson’s side have picked up just one win from their opening five matches.
Following four straight league defeats, Oxford seem to have turned a corner, though, following last Saturday’s win over Burton Albion and then their 3-0 win in the Carabao Cup at Newport County in midweek.
Oxford will, however, be without midfielder Jamie Hanson following his red card at Rodney Parade earlier this week. Hanson will miss the next three matches following an unsuccessful appeal.
Meanwhile, the latest team news from the Sunderland camp is that Charlie Wyke and Tom Flanagan might play some part on Saturday. Wyke, who has been injured since arriving in July, returned to the grass with defender Flanagan earlier this week, and speaking at his pre-match press conference on Thursday, Ross revealed the duo could feature this weekend.
Glenn Loovens and Adam Matthews are doubtful while Aiden McGeady, Jerome Sinclair and Duncan Watmore remain sidelined.
Tomorrow’s meeting at the Stadium of Light will be the first since Oxford’s 7-0 defeat 20 years ago. While the Black Cats possessed Kevin Phillips and Niall Quinn in their ranks, Alex Rae, Michael Bridges, Danny Dichio and Michael Gray turned out to be the heroes that day as Peter Reid’s men clinched a seismic win.
KEY INFORMATION
Supporters are being encouraged to arrive as early as possible for the 3pm kick off.
Fans are advised to avoid queuing that their match or season ticket will allow them to gain entry at any turnstile in the ground, apart from ones designated for cash turnstiles.
Stadium turnstiles will be open from 1.30pm. Turnstiles 33-36 in the North East Corner and 43-46 in the East Stand will be available for those wishing to pay on the day. Please note, there will be no concession tickets available at the turnstile.
Concession priced tickets must be bought from the ticket office, which will be open until kick off.
Tickets start from £20 for adults and just £7.50 for under 16s.
The stadium’s popular FanZone will also be open from 12pm, with entertainment starting at 12.45pm with Roker Report and then musician Kieron Brady.
FOLLOW THE ACTION
BBC Radio Newcastle’s Nick Barnes will be broadcasting live right here on safc.com from 2pm.
As ever, there will be comprehensive coverage across our digital channels including safc.com’s matchday blog and live updates on Twitter via @SunderlandAFC.
