Sunderland will look to claim three points on the road this Saturday, with a visit to the Abbey Stadium to take on Cambridge United (KO 3pm).
With last Saturday’s win over Ipswich Town preceding a frustrating draw with Shrewsbury Town, the onus is on the Lads to go one better and secure a vital win in Cambridgeshire against the newly promoted Us.
Team news
Lee Johnson confirmed in his press conference on Friday morning that Aiden McGeady will miss a period of 8-12 weeks following a knee ligament injury picked up in midweek.
Dennis Cirkin remains out for several weeks as he undergoes a double hernia operation, whilst Luke O’Nien is in discussions with medical staff surrounding his persistent shoulder issue.
Corry Evans should now be fit after only being able to make the bench on Tuesday with a calf concern, whilst youngsters Will Harris and Cieran Dunne are among the travelling squad – Scotsman Dunne having recently returned after four months out following shoulder surgery.
Opposition
Cambridge won promotion to the third tier last summer for the first time since the 2001-02 season. The Us spent nine seasons in non-league between 2005 and 2014, since when their highest League Two finish came as a ninth-place berth in 2016 before last season.
Mark Bonner’s side sit 15th in the League One table heading into their hosting of the Lads, and despite being without a win in three, secured a creditable draw against Wigan Athletic in midweek and even took a two-goal lead.
Cambridge won the old Third Division championship in 1991, one of two promotions into the second tier – the other coming in 1978, just a year after winning the Fourth Division title.
Around the grounds
There are 11 League One fixtures planned for Saturday afternoon – Ipswich Town host Crewe Alexandra 24 hours later on Sunday. New league leaders Rotherham United head to Oxford United, whilst third and fourth meet at Home Park as Plymouth host Wigan. Wycombe in second head to fifth-placed Sheffield Wednesday in another enticing clash.
Tickets and streaming
Away tickets for Saturday’s meeting between Cambridge United and Sunderland at the Abbey Stadium are now sold out. The club were allocated a total of 2,551 tickets for the fixture.
Due to EFL broadcast restrictions, SAFSee streaming will be unavailable to UK-based supporters – but overseas subscribers can purchase a streaming pass by clicking here.
Social media coverage will as usual be taking place via the club’s official accounts on Twitter @SunderlandAFC, and Instagram @sunderlandafcofficial.