The games continue to come thick and fast for Jack Ross’ Sunderland tonight as Walsall head to the north east for their second round Emirates FA Cup replay, KO 7:45pm.
Facing the Saddlers for the third time in three weeks, a victor has to be decided tonight following back-to-back draws in the league and cup recently.
While Ross’ side, which had been reduced to 10 when Max Power was dismissed at the Bescot Stadium in November, managed to claw themselves back from two behind to earn a point in the league, the cup proved to be slightly less entertaining for the neutral as Aiden McGeady’s first-half strike was later cancelled out by Andy Cook.
Since then, though, the Black Cats have set-up a Checkatrade Trophy last 16 tie against Newcastle United under-21s before Saturday’s league fixture at Accrington Stanley was abandoned after 70 minutes due to adverse weather.
Adam Matthews won’t feature this evening as he was forced off at the Wham Stadium after just 22 minutes.
Duncan Watmore will return to the squad, though, having missed the trip to Lancashire after making his comeback last week in the Checkatrade Trophy. Lee Cattermole is also expected to return to the side having been out since the end of October.
Walsall, on the other hand, have won just one of their previous seven matches in all competitions.
The Saddlers saw off Coventry City on Saturday in the most dramatic circumstances, coming from behind with two stoppage-time goals from Luke Leahy to turn the fixture on its head.
While the previous two meetings between the clubs have finished level, Sunderland had one the four prior to that – dating back to September 1999.
Walsall’s last victory on Wearside came just under 30 years ago, when they ran out 3-0 winners at Roker Park in Division Two.
TONIGHT’S PERMUTATIONS
One way or another, there will be a winner this evening. Should the match be level after 90 minutes, then extra times and potentially penalties will follow.
The winner will then face an away trip to Bolton Wanderers in the third round of the Emirates FA Cup. That game will be played on the weekend of January 4, 2019.
DON’T MISS THE ACTION
Cash turnstiles will be in operation at the Stadium of Light this evening, with tickets priced at £10 for adults and £5 for over 65s and under 16s.
East stand turnstiles 47-50 will be open from 6.30pm, priced at £10.
Supporters collecting pre-purchased tickets are advised to arrive as early as possible as there is a high number of collections and the ticket office is expected to be busy. The ticket office will be open from 9am for collections.
Streaming passes will NOT be available this evening, however, supporters will be able to keep up with the action by checking out our audio commentary.
Nick Barnes and Gary Bennett will be in the commentary booth from 7:30pm.
Aside from that, we have comprehensive coverage of all the action as it happens across our digital channels.
