Sunderland begin their Leasing.com Trophy venture this evening when Grimsby Town come to town.
Kicking off at 7:45pm at the Stadium of Light, the Black Cats will be hoping to get off to a winning start after Saturday’s defeat.
Finalists in the competition last season, Jack Ross’ side were beaten on penalties at Wembley after the game against Portsmouth had finished 2-2.
The Scot used the early rounds of the competition to blood a number of youngsters, with Lee Connelly, Jack Diamond and Jake Hackett, to name a few, handed debuts.
Swedish international Benji Kimpioka also impressed, netting on his first start in the group stage win over Carlisle United.
Victories over Manchester City’s and Newcastle United’s young guns followed on route to the final before goals from Will Grigg and Lewis Morgan defeated Bristol Rovers to set-up the showpiece event against Pompey at Wembley.
Fast forward seven months and it’s all about to start again as the Black Cats look to go one step further this time.
However, defeat in the league at Lincoln City on Saturday as left Ross with much to ponder as he looks to shuffle his pack for tonight’s game.
The Black Cats are the only side in group A yet to play a game as Scunthorpe United sit top with four points from two games. Leicester City under-21s occupy the second spot after they drew with the Iron’s while Grimsby Town sit bottom after one game.
Jon McLaughlin, Tom Flanagan, Conor McLaughlin won’t be involved as they are away with their respective nations on international duty.
Grimsby Town, meanwhile, visit Wearside for the first time in 21 years. Beaten by Sunderland in five of their last six competitive games, Michael Jolley’s side will be looking to issue a response to Saturday’s defeat also.
Currently ninth, the Mariners are just two points off the play-offs after 12 games. Sunderland loanee Ethan Robson, who is ineligible tonight, has netted three goals in as many games in the middle.
Jolley made no ten changes to his side for their first game in the Trophy last month. Strikers Charles Vernam and Harry Cardwell missed out on Saturday so could be in line to feature, while defender Sebastian Ring will be hoping for his first minutes since the defeat to Scunthorpe.
Midfielder Harry Clifton is unavailable for the clash as he links back up with Wales Under-21s ahead of Friday’s UEFA European U21 Championship 2021 qualifier against Moldova.
DON’T MISS A KICK
Cash turnstiles will be in operation at the Stadium of Light. Full details are available here.
Tonight’s game will be streamed live, with passes now on sale to UK and international fans.
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.
