Sunderland are back in Stadium of Light action on Sunday, as Scunthorpe United travel to Wearside (KO 3pm).
After facing Sheffield Wednesday in the Carabao Cup on Thursday evening, the Lads have immediate opportunity to bounce back and maintain their unbeaten start to the Sky Bet League One season.
Jack Ross’ side got the SoL rocking on the opening day as Lynden Gooch’s dramatic stoppage-time header clinched three points in front of over 31,000, with Josh Maja grabbing his second goal in as many games last time out against Luton Town.
Both are likely to return to the starting XI after coming off the bench against the Owls.
Scunthorpe have also made an unbeaten start to their league campaign, with Nick Daws' side once again expected to be in the promotion mix.
The Iron have finished in the top six in each of the last two seasons, but they’ll be hoping to go a couple better this season after losing consecutive play-off semi-finals.
Like Sunderland, Scunthorpe exited the Carabao Cup midweek, but an opening-day win over Coventry City, and a point against Walsall, show why the Lads will need to be at their best to pick up a second league victory.
Glenn Loovens and Adam Matthews missed the midweek cup clash, but Ross expects both to return to the squad for Sunday’s game.
Ethan Robson, who was on the bench against the Owls, could make his first appearance of the season, while the Sunderland boss is hoping Dylan McGeouch could make his Black Cats debut.
Donald Love, Tom Flanagan, Jerome Sinclair and Charlie Wyke won’t feature, but Ross revealed the quartet are way ahead of schedule in his pre-match injury update.
Scunthorpe, meanwhile, will be without Matt Gilks, who isn’t expected to return until 2019, while it remains to be seen if Funso Ojo will feature after the midfielder was unable to face Walsall and Doncaster Rovers.
Josh Morris returned in the cup and played 77 minutes, with new signing Ryan Colclough playing 90.
And Cameron Borthwick-Jackson, who was replaced late on, will be assessed ahead of Sunday’s game.
FOLLOW THE ACTION
Tickets for the game are on sale now by clicking here.
SAFSee passes are available now for overseas and UK-based supporters, including seasonal and match-by-match options.
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.