Sunderland will begin their Carabao Cup venture this evening at Accrington Stanley, kick-off 7:45pm.
Turning their attentions away from their Sky Bet League One campaign, Jack Ross has spoken of the Black Cats’ need to turn their draws into wins – and fast!
An opening day point at home to Oxford United was then followed up by another 1-1 scoreline down at Ipswich Town last weekend.
With Portsmouth to come on Saturday at the Stadium of Light, Ross is keen to use tonight’s game as a chance to get some minutes into the legs of players who haven’t featured much this season as well as pick up a much-needed win.
Max Power is likely to be one of those names on the team sheet, while Charlie Wyke could also feature after missing the opening two games with an ankle injury sustained on Sunderland’s pre-season tour of Portugal.
However, Ross has confirmed five players definitely missing will be; Glenn Loovens, Ethan Robson, Duncan Watmore, Dylan McGeouch and Denver Hume.
While there are no points up for grabs this evening at the Wham Stadium, the Lads know victory will secure their passage through to the second round of the Carabao Cup which will be played in the final week of August.
John Coleman’s Accrington will be playing only their second competitive match of the season this evening after their league meeting with Bury was postponed on Saturday.
Stanley welcome Sunderland to The Wham in what is their first home game of the season on the back of a 2-0 defeat away at newly promoted Lincoln City on the opening day of the season.
Courtney Baker-Richardson could get his first minutes for Accy after joining from Swansea City on a season-long loan last week.
DON’T MISS A KICK
Tickets for Sunderland fans wishing to pay on the night will be able to do so at the ground.
Tonight’s game will not be available to streamed.
However, BBC Radio Newcastle’s Nick Barnes will be broadcasting live right here on safc.com from 7pm.
As ever, there will be comprehensive coverage across our digital channels including safc.com’s matchday blog and live updates on Twitter via @SunderlandAFC.
