Sunderland continue their Checkatrade Trophy campaign tonight at home to Carlisle United, kick-off 7.45pm.
The Cumbrians head to the Stadium of Light this evening, with both sides eyeing progression in the EFL competition with just one game to play following tonight’s outcome.
For Jack Ross’ Sunderland, victory will give the Lads five points after being forced to settle for just the bonus point following penalty heroics over Stoke City under-21s last month.
Meanwhile, John Sheridan’s side sit top of group A after victory over Morecambe in their first tie last month.
TEAM NEWS
With the October international period underway, Ross will be without 14 players. Yes, 14! Jon McLaughlin, Bryan Oviedo, Tom Flanagan and Bali Mumba are away with their respective nations, while Max Power is suspended following his red card against Bradford City on Saturday.
Josh Maja, Jerome Sinclair and Lee Cattermole aren’t going to be risked after playing with slight knocks for the last few matches.
That leaves mentions for Glenn Loovens, Donald Love, Charlie Wyke, Duncan Watmore, Lynden Gooch and Denver Hume, who remain out through injury.
PREVIOUS MEETINGS
The Black Cats head into tonight’s match having won 10 of the 20 previous meetings, losing just four. The last fixture between the two clubs came in August 2017, in the Carabao Cup, when goals from Gooch and Love handed the Lads a 2-1 win on the road.
TICKETS
Supporters who have purchased tickets for tonight’s Checkatrade Trophy game and are collecting them from the ticket office should do so as early as possible.
There are a high number of ticket collections for this game, which means the ticket office will be busy and queues are expected.
Supporters are also reminded that there will be no sale of Carlisle tickets from the ticket office today.
Tickets can be purchased on the night from the East Stand cash turnstiles, which will open at 6.30pm. All tickets will be priced at £10.
DON’T MISS THE ACTION
Supporters not able to attend the Stadium of Light this evening can stream the match, here.
Alternatively, you can keep up to date through coverage on our Twitter feed, @SunderlandAFC.
