Sunderland will be hoping to ignite some cup magic when Sheffield Wednesday come to town in round one of the Carabao Cup tonight.
Playing host to the Owls at the Stadium of Light this evening, kick-off 7.45pm, the Black Cats will be looking to build on their bright start to the season after collecting four points from a possible six in the league.
While last Saturday saw Jack Ross’ side pegged back at Luton Town, Josh Maja kept up his early season form as he netted his second goal in as many games before Matty Pearson forced the Lads to return to the North East with just a point.
That said, though, in Sunderland’s opening league match of the 2018-19 season at the Stadium of Light, Ross’ side showed true grit and steel to come from behind and defeat promotion hopefuls Charlton Athletic right at the death, courtesy of Lynden Gooch’s bullet header.
Tonight’s Sky Bet Championship visitors, meanwhile, have endured a difficult start to the season having collected just one point from their first two.
An opening day defeat to newly promoted Wigan Athletic prompted the disappointing start before they were held at home to Hull City on Saturday.
Sunderland manager Ross has been honest and upfront about his team selection ahead of tonight’s game, with changes likely due to his need to ‘protect’ certain players.
Reece James completed a 45-minute run out on Monday night with the under-23s to put himself in contention.
Adam Matthews, though, has been ruled out, joining Dylan McGeouch, Jerome Sinclair, Aiden McGeady, Charlie Wyke, Ethan Robson and Duncan Watmore in the treatment room.
Elsewhere, Wednesday boss Jos Luhukay has also stated that he is likely to make changes also, but two players he will definitely be without are Morgan Fox and Lucas Joao after the duo haven’t trained in the last few days.
It is also likely young trio Alex Hunter, Fraser Preston and Jack Lee could be in contention to make their debuts after featuring on the substitutes bench against Hull City on Saturday.
While former Black Cat striker Steven Fletcher and goalkeeper Keiren Westwood feature on the books at Wednesday, the Owls haven’t enjoyed much success on their travels to Wearside in years gone by. The Black Cats have got the better of the Hillsborough club six times since 1969, losing just once – back in April of this year.
Please note, before a ball has even been kicked at the Stadium of Light tonight both sides will know who they could be facing in the next round as the draw is happening live on Wearside at 7pm. Fans wishing to watch it will be able to as it will be shown live on the big screens inside the Stadium of Light.
FOLLOW THE ACTION
Cash turnstiles will be in operation for tonight’s game.
As the game will be broadcast like on Sky Sports, SAFSee passes will not be available to stream for oversea supporters.
BBC Radio Newcastle’s Nick Barnes will be broadcasting live right here on safc.com from 6.45pm.
As ever, there will be comprehensive coverage across our digital channels including safc.com’s matchday blog and live updates on Twitter via @SunderlandAFC.
