Sunderland’s mission to secure a Sky Bet League One Play-Off place heats up this weekend with a crucial trip to Oxford United on Saturday (KO 3pm).
With six league fixtures remaining in the run-in and with the Lads sitting one place above the Us having played a game less, Saturday’s showdown at the Kassam can help open up a healthy gap over Karl Robinson’s hosts.
Team news
Alex Neil is expected to have an almost identical pool of players for selection as for last week’s dramatic late win over Gillingham on Wearside.
Nathan Broadhead, Alex Pritchard and Danny Batth are all available having recently returned with positive impacts, whilst Aiden McGeady, Niall Huggins and Jordan Willis continue their respective rehabilitation programmes.
Opposition
Oxford United currently sit a point and a place below Sunderland, having taken 69 points from 41 matches in the league this season. Without a win in three, the Us have lost their last two including a midweek defeat at Morecambe. However, Robinson’s men boast the most potent attacking output in the division, having netted 75 goals and counting in League One. December’s reverse fixture at the Stadium of Light saw the sides play out a 1-1 draw, as Matty Taylor levelled to cancel out Leon Dajaku’s early opener.
This is currently Oxford’s sixth straight season in the third tier, following promotion from League Two in 2016. This came after four frustrating seasons in non-league between 2006 and 2010, though Robinson’s spell at the club has brought two successive Play-Off campaigns in the last two seasons. The second of these came following a drastic turnaround in form having spent over seven weeks of the season in the bottom four.
Around the grounds
A weekend of drama is promised throughout the division once again this weekend, with all 24 teams in action from 3pm on Saturday. Among the fixtures is a tantalising clash between AFC Wimbledon and MK Dons, as Wigan visit Lincoln, and Rotherham host Charlton. Sheffield Wednesday visit Bolton on Saturday afternoon, whilst Plymouth head to Burton. Elsewhere, Crewe will be relegated this weekend if they lose at basement rivals Doncaster, or if other results go against them.
Tickets & coverage
Tickets for Sunderland’s league trip to Oxford United through the club’s e-ticketing system are now sold out.
Due to EFL broadcast restrictions, SAFSee streaming will be unavailable to UK-based supporters. However, overseas-based subscribers* can purchase a streaming pass here at a cost of £10, and audio commentary will be available to all supporters.
Social media coverage will be active via the club’s official accounts on Twitter @SunderlandAFC, and Instagram @sunderlandafcofficial.
*Please note that EFL restrictions mean all broadcasting services to Russia have been suspended until further notice.