Sunderland are back at the Stadium of Light this Saturday as Middlesbrough come to town.
The Black Cats have suffered back-to-back defeats in the past week, but after an encouraging midweek performance at Marcon Stadium, Chris Coleman will be hoping his side can spring a surprise against the promotion chasers.
Read everything you need to know about the game below…
STATE OF PLAY
Despite losing three of their four games in February, Sunderland remain firmly in the battle for survival with just three points – and goal difference – separating the Lads from safety. Victory over Boro would issue a statement of intent heading into the remaining 12 games, but Coleman’s men can’t afford to lose pace with the likes of Barnsley, Burton Albion, Hull City and Birmingham City. The Welshman took plenty of confidence from the Lads’ midweek performance against Bolton Wanderers, as a dominant display went unrewarded due to a contentious first-half goal. And he'll be hoping they can produce similar levels of grit and determination this weekend, albeit with the goals and points to boot.
PLAY-OFF DASH
After being relegated from the Premier League last season, Boro chairman Steve Gibson said he’d pull out all the stop to ensure they bounced back to the top flight at the first attempt, but it hasn’t been quite so simple despite heavy investment during the summer window. Garry Monk was charged with getting results on the pitch, but in December he was replaced by Tony Pulis following the experienced manager’s West Bromwich Albion departure. Since arriving, the Welshman has won five, lost five and drawn one of his games in charge, with Boro three points of the top six and with work to do.
BREAK THE CYCLE
The Lads have faced Boro on two occasions this season but each time they’ve come away empty-handed. Garry Monk’s side moved up to fifth in the table back in November thanks to a 1-0 win in the Sky Bet Championship, and two months later the sides faced off again in the Emirates FA Cup. But, unfortunately, the outcome was the same as a 2-0 win saw Boro progress. And Coleman will have to banish a poor run of form in this fixture if he hopes to restore winning ways to the SoL, with the Teessiders winning the last five meetings.
TEAM NEWS
Sunderland will once again be without Marc Wilson but Adam Matthews has returned to training. The Welshman has started one game this month due to a hamstring injury and missed the midweek trip to Bolton, and it remains to be seen if he will be involved this weekend. Ovie Ejaria remains a doubt while LuaLua won’t feature, but the former Brighton man could be back for next weekend’s trip to Millwall. Meanwhile, Darron Gibson is making good progress in his recovery from groin surgery, with Coleman saying he’s ‘well ahead of schedule’. Coleman will also be without Ashley Fletcher against his parent club.
FOLLOW ALL THE ACTION
Cash turnstiles are in operation and information is available by clicking here.
But if you’re unable to attend the game we have comprehensive coverage of all the action as it happens across our digital channels.
Nick Barnes and Gary Bennett will be in the commentary booth from 2pm, with minute-by-minute analysis available right here and across social media from Twitter to Instagram.