Sunderland return to Sky Bet League One action this weekend, travelling to the New Meadow to take on Shrewsbury Town.
It’s been a long two weeks since the Lads last face league opposition, with international involvement meaning last weekend’s proposed fixture with Blackpool was postponed.
Jack Ross’ side did overcome Carlisle United in the Checkatrade Trophy, but now it’s back to business as the Black Cats look to chase down the league leaders.
Portsmouth, Peterborough United, Barnsley and Doncaster Rovers currently occupy the top four, and they all picked up three points last weekend.
Pompey top the table with 30 points from 13 games, while the Posh sit three points behind in second, so Ross’ men – on 23 points with a game in hand – will be focussed on picking up another win to ensure the gap doesn’t widen.
Last season, play-off finalists Shrewsbury went within one game of the Championship, as they were beaten by Rotherham United in extra-time at Wembley.
But the Shrews have struggled to recapture that form, and they currently sit 13th in the table following a number of high-profile departures in the summer.
John Askey replaced Ipswich Town-bound Paul Hurst and the helm, and ahead of tomorrow’s game, he challenged his players to handle the pressure cooker atmosphere in what he described as a ‘cup final’.
Sunderland, meanwhile, have been handed a fitness boost ahead the game with Lynden Gooch back in contention.
The USA international has missed the last three first-team fixtures, but has returned to training on schedule.
Glenn Loovens, Denver Hume, Donald Love, Duncan Watmore and Charlie Wyke remain unavailable, but the boss delivered a positive update on quintet ahead of the game.
Shrewsbury will be without Charlie Colkett and Abo Eisa, but midfielder Anthony Grant is likely to return to the squad after missing the Fleetwood defeat through illness.
Oliver Norburn has been unwell during the week, but he should also be fit to face the Black Cats.
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