Sunderland under-21s return to Checkatrade Trophy action tonight at the Keepmoat Stadium (KO 7.30pm).
Preview all the action and learn all you need to know ahead of the cup tie against Doncaster Rovers via the preview below.
BOUNCING BACK
Sunderland’s opening Checkatrade Trophy outing ended in defeat as a well-drilled Scunthorpe United side overcame the young Black Cats. Kevin van Veen headed the League One side in front early on at Glanford Park, with Duane Holmes adding a second at the end of the opening period. Rees Greenwood’s stunning strike reduced the deficit midway through the second half, but Josh Morris completed the scoring late on to secure the Iron three points.
SOMETHING TO BUILD ON
Doncaster Rovers clinched a penalty shootout win in their opener at Grimsby Town. The Mariners took an early lead through Harry Caldwell but Doncaster struck back before the break, with Andy Williams on target. After the 90 minutes ended level, Williams missed his spot kick to hand the Mariners the initiative, but Sam Jones, Tom Bolarinwa and Cardwell all had their kicks saved by keeper Marko Marosi to hand Doncaster a bonus point.
TEAM NEWS
Sunderland’s young guns will once again be without Josh Maja but Simon Grayson expects the striker to return to training during the international break. Duncan Watmore has played for the under-23s in recent weeks but is unlikely to feature after returning to the first-team fold, however Lynden Gooch could be included after starting against Scunthorpe last month. Michael Woud and Sam Brotherton are also unavailable with the duo representing New Zealand over the international break, and Joel Asoro is representing Sweden under-21s. Elliot Embleton also won’t feature as he features for England under-19s.
COMP FORMAT
If the scores are level at the end of tonight’s group match then each club will be awarded one point. In addition, the match will be followed immediately by penalties and the club that wins the shootout will be awarded an additional point. Three points are awarded for a win and none for a defeat.
FOLLOW THE MATCH
If you aren’t travelling down to the Keepmoat Stadium, as always, we will be supplying our comprehensive coverage of the action as it happens across our digital channels, including our matchday centre.
Nick Barnes will be in the commentary booth from 7.30pm, with minute-by-minute analysis available right here and across social media from Twitter to Instagram.