Sunderland return to the Stadium of Light this weekend as Chris Coleman’s side entertain Ipswich Town.
Read everything you need to know ahead of the game in our preview below…
RED AND WHITE REDEMPTION
Saturday’s game marks a chance for redemption following Tuesday’s disappointing outing at Birmingham City. Sunderland faltered from the first whistle and, deservedly, returned to Wearside empty-handed. David Davis opened the scoring and the Blues doubled their lead before the break as Jeremie Boga headed home, and any hopes of a second-half comeback were dashed when Sam Gallagher finished from close range as the Black Cats dropped to 23rd. Post-match, the Welshman said his side’s performance was simply ‘unacceptable’ – and he expects a reaction against Ipswich.
OPTIONS
There was little time to dwell on Tuesday’s frustration for Coleman and the club, however, as attentions switched firmly onto the final day of the January transfer window. A whirlwind day of speculation, rumours and negotiations ended at 11pm as moves for Ovie Ejaria, Ashley Fletcher and Lee Camp were signed, sealed and delivered. And the trio are in contention to feature against the Tractor Boys. Kazenga LuaLua will also be hoping to get more minutes under his belt following a bright cameo at St Andrew’s, but Lamine Kone is a doubt to face Mick McCarthy’s side.
ABOUT TOWN
Ipswich have enjoyed a typically steady season under McCarthy and they remain an outside bet to land a place in the top six. The Tractor Boys are currently 12th in the table and sit eight points adrift of the play-off places with 17 games remaining. Former Black Cat Martyn Wahgorn is the club’s top scorer and top creator having netted 10 and assisted seven, but Joe Garner (nine), Bersant Celina (eight) and David McGoldrick (eight) have also been amongst the goals. McGoldrick is a doubt, though, and hasn’t trained all week. Meanwhile, Cole Skuse is available for selection and Cameron Carter-Vickers has returned to raining.
FOLLOW THE ACTION
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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.