Sunderland make the trip to South-East London this weekend, taking on Lee Bowyer’s Charlton Athletic at The Valley in our fourth Sky Bet League One matchday of the season.
The Lads have carved out an encouraging start to the league season, taking seven points from a possible nine and slotting in at fifth in the table, whilst remaining yet to concede from open play. We now seek our third win on the bounce, after Grant Leadbitter’s penalty handed Phil Parkinson’s side all three points against Peterborough United last time out.
Despite opponents Charlton beginning their League One campaign with a win on the opening day at Crewe Alexandra, the Addicks have since found themselves pegged back by consecutive losses – firstly at home by Doncaster Rovers, and most recently last Sunday’s 2-0 defeat by Lincoln City. The men led by Bowyer – a former midfield teammate of Leadbitter during the pair’s Ipswich Town days – subsequently sit 18th following September’s fixtures.
A win, a draw and a defeat apiece have made up the record of the Black Cats against Charlton in three meetings since 2018. Our last victory over the Londoners came via a dramatic last-gasp Lynden Gooch winner on the opening day of the 2018/19 season – the first competitive match between the two sides since 2005/06 in the Premier League.
Team News
George Dobson will serve the third and final match of his suspension this weekend.
The midfield options for the Lads will however be boosted with Max Power available for selection again after training all this week.
Lynden Gooch picked up a slight knock earlier in the week, but trained on Thursday and should also be ready for the contest.
Chris Maguire is doubtful following the injury which forced him off in the first half of the Peterborough victory, but Phil Parkinson confirms it is not serious – the forward will be back in full training on Monday if he is ruled out for Saturday.
Opposition
After two league defeats on the spin, Charlton will be desperate to rekindle some steady form as we enter October.
The Addicks are keen to bounce back from last season’s relegation heartache, and are now looking to add to their squad. Conor Washington, Ben Watson and Alex Gilbey are among the signings Bowyer has already acquired this transfer window at The Valley, along with newest recruit Marcus Maddison.
Maddison could be in line to make his debut this weekend, and there could be an opportunity for 21-year-old Josh Davison up top, after Macauley Bonne’s departure for QPR.
How to watch
To purchase a streaming pass for the Lads’ meeting with Charlton this Saturday, simply click here and follow the instructions.
As always, there will be extended match coverage on safc.com, alongside match updates on Twitter @SunderlandAFC, and Instagram @sunderlandafcofficial.