Sunderland are set for their first away game of the season when they travel to Oxford United.
Phil Parkinson’s side head to the Kassam Stadium on Saturday, kick-off 3pm, to go in search of their first victory of the campaign.
The Black Cats come into the game on the back of a 1-1 draw with Bristol Rovers at the Stadium of Light, with Chris Maguire’s late strike clinching a point 10 minutes from time.
As for this weekend, though, Sunderland face Karl Robinson’s side who will be determined to get back on track after losing their season opener 2-0 to Lincoln City.
The U’s also lost out to Championship outfit Watford on Tuesday in the Carabao Cup, with a 3-0 defeat on penalties after the contest ended 1-1 at the Kassam.
Last time out against Oxford, the Black Cats ran out 1-0 winners after Jordan Willis’ second minute header back in February.
Team news
Elliot Embleton remains absent due to a thigh problem suffered in pre-season, with Parkinson stating the 21-year-old must prove his fitness before being back in the first-team mix.
While George Dobson is also unavailable following a strong challenge resulting in a red card towards the end of the Lads’ season opener last weekend.
Grant Leadbitter and Josh Scowen are likely to be involved despite missing training earlier this week due to a knock and a family bereavement respectively.
Opposition
The U’s finished fourth in the table last term and lost out to Wycombe Wanderers 2-1 in the play-off final.
They have started this season with somewhat of a hangover from last campaign after being knocked out of the Carabao Cup on Tuesday, following an opening day defeat to Lincoln.
Matty Taylor, Josh Ruffels and Mark Sykes all picked up knocks during the week and could miss out, while summer signing Sam Winnall also has a minor issue.
But centre-back Robert Atkinson is available after seeing his red card against the Imps overturned.
How to watch
To purchase a streaming pass for Sunderland’s first away game of the season, click on the link below and follow the instructions.
As usual, there will be comprehensive coverage via safc.com, as well as match updates on @SunderlandAFC on Twitter and @Sunderlandafcofficial on Instagram.