Sunderland will be hoping to return to winning ways this Saturday (KO 3pm) when they take on Bristol Rovers at the Stadium of Light.
The Lads saw their 16-game unbeaten run come to a halt in midweek when Walsall’s Liam Kinsella lashed home a 25-yard drive to knock the Black Cats out of the Emirates FA Cup.
However, Jack Ross’ side have lost just one of their opening 19 league matches so far this season – and the task facing his side this Saturday is to issue the perfect response once more.
Currently seven points off pacesetters Portsmouth, the Lads have two games in hand on the four teams around them as well as the best goal difference in the league (+21).
The Lads have also won seven of their previous nine league matches, despite last Saturday’s clash at Accrington Stanley being abandoned after 70 minutes due to adverse weather conditions.
Bristol Rovers, meanwhile, have had a difficult week leading up to Saturday’s match following the dismissal of their manager Darrell Clarke on Thursday.
The decision came after Rovers had lost seven of their previous 10 games in all competitions, leaving them 21st in League One and four points from safety.
Former Sunderland striker, Marcus Stewart, who was assistant boss at Memorial Stadium, has also left the club, leaving coach Graham Coughlan in charge this weekend.
A defeat at home to Doncaster Rovers last Saturday proved to be the final straw for Clarke, despite progression to the last 16 in the Checkatrade Trophy.
McGeady and Gooch both missed the midweek defeat to Walsall, but the Sunderland boss is confident the duo will return against the Gas.
Meanwhile, Duncan Watmore has also provided an attacking boost, with the forward set to return to league action.
The omens are mixed when you scan through previous encounters between the two clubs. Meeting for the first time in 18 years, Bristol Rovers have just edged the previous 27 meetings, winning 10 to Sunderland’s nine.
However, the Lads have lost just two of the previous 11 matches against Rovers.
DON’T MISS A KICK
Cash turnstiles will be in operation this weekend at the Stadium of Light.
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.
