Sunderland are on the road this weekend, but they’re certainly not alone.
Over 5,000 members of the red and white will join Jack Ross’ side at the Ricoh Arena, as they face Coventry City in Saturday’s 12.30pm kick-off.
The Lads returned to winning ways last time out and they did so in style, as a 4-1 rout of Rochdale at the Stadium of Light saw them move up to third in Sky Bet League One.
Josh Maja and Lynden Gooch were both at the double, with the former taking his tally to seven goals in nine league games, while Chris Maguire also impressed.
But despite a big win, Ross faces a selection dilemma, with Max Power eligible to return following a three-match ban.
The Sunderland boss opted for three central defenders against the Dale, with Gooch and Denver Hume operating as wing-backs while Lee Cattermole, Dylan McGeouch and George Honeyman lined up in midfield.
Power is raring to go, so it’s up to the boss to stick or twist.
Coventry, meanwhile, sit 13th after taking 11 points from their opening nine games.
Mark Robins’ side were promoted via the Sky Bet League Two play-offs last season, but after initially struggling with one win from their first seven games this campaign, they’ve started to find their rhythm.
The Sky Blues have picked up wins over Oxford United and promotion-contenders Barnsley this month, although they did stutter last time out falling to a 3-1 defeat at Bristol Rovers.
Speaking after that game, Robins issued a statement of intent, saying, ‘I guarantee we will get a reaction’.
No pressure.
Interestingly, Maguire and McGeouch both spent time on loan at the Ricoh Arena during the 2013-14 season, but they never played together, with Maguire returning to his parent club 25 days before McGeouch arrived.
Both will be hoping to start against their former club, but one man who won’t be involved is Donald Love, with the defender missing out due to an ankle niggle.
Duncan Watmore and Charlie Wyke remain the only other absentees.
FOLLOW THE ACTION
Tickets for the game are SOLD OUT!
Saturday’s game will be screened live on Sky Sports and will not be streamed via SAFSee due to broadcast regulations.
SAFSee pass subscribers can listen to all the action live, with BBC Radio Newcastle’s Nick Barnes broadcasting from 12pm.
As ever, there will be comprehensive coverage across our digital channels including safc.com’s matchday blog and live updates on Twitter via @SunderlandAFC