‘We are in charge of our own destiny’
Sunderland are gearing up for a big 48 hours with Birmingham City away and Deadline Day looming.
But first, here’s your all you need to know guide ahead of tonight’s trip to St Andrews…
IN CHARGE
Chris Coleman delivered an honest and frank assessment of Sunderland’s position when talking in his pre-match press conference on Monday morning. The Welshman challenged his players to show courage in the West Midlands to give themselves a major boost in their bid to climb the Sky Bet Championship table while maintaining control of their own destiny. With no game on Saturday, attentions have been fixed on their trip to St Andrews since they secured a precious three points over Hull City on Saturday 20 January. The challenge, now, secure back-to-back wins…
SWEDE FEELING
Joel Asoro made his first league start a day to remember when he fired home the game’s only goal against the Tigers last time out. Scoring his first professional goal in the process, Asoro spearheaded a youthful Sunderland side which included a total of four academy players in the starting line-up, with Josh Maja, George Honeyman and Ethan Robson also starting. Is youth the way forward?
JANUARY BLUES
Without a win in any of their previous three matches in all competitions, Steve Cotterill’s Birmingham City side take on the Black Cats eyeing their first league victory since their 2-0 win at Reading at the start of the month. Currently one place below Sunderland in the league, victory over their league rivals would see the Blues climb above the lads in the league and potentially up to 20th should results go their way. With just five points separating the bottom seven clubs, three points count for so much as Birmingham look to claim their seventh league win of the campaign.
LUALUA DEBUT?
Kazenga LuaLua is in contention to make his Sunderland debut this evening following his switch from Brighton & Hove Albion. The 27-year-old, who will wear the No.11 shirt, has become Coleman’s second January signing after Jake Clarke-Salter joined earlier in the window. LuaLua is unlikely to start, however, as he hasn’t featured since late November while Coleman has also revealed Lamine Kone is also in contention after featuring for 60 minutes against Leicester City unde-23s on Wednesday. Welsh international Jonny Williams made his return from a three-month lay-off against Arsenal under-23s on Sunday, and while the midfielder came through the match unscathed, Coleman has admitted tonight’s match has come too soon for him. Elsewhere, Billy Jones and Didier Ndong are out.
Birmingham, meanwhile, are expected to have Craig Gardner available, as well as Jason Lowe, Carl Jenkinson and Jota.
REWRITING THE HISTORY BOOKS
Should Sunderland defeat Birmingham City tonight in their own back yard then that will be the first league victory the Black Cats will have had over the Blues in their last seven trips to St Andrews, dating way back 21 years. That said, if the Blues are to defeat Sunderland then they will have to improve on their tally of just eight goals in 14 home league games this season, and they will no doubt turn to Sam Gallagher who has struck four goals in his last six Championship games. Chris Coleman, however, has won on three of his last four visits to St Andrews. What stats do you favour?
FOLLOW THE ACTION
Cash turnstiles will be available for Sunderland fans wishing to make the journey to St Andrews without a ticket. Please note, tickets are no longer on sale at the Stadium of Light ticket office.
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 7pm, with minute-by-minute analysis available right here and across social media from Twitter to Instagram.