Sunderland under-23s face a mammoth trip to South Wales this evening for their final Premier League 2 fixture of the season.
Here’s your all you need to know guide ahead of the match...
WHO, WHEN AND WHERE
Opposition: Swansea City
Location: Liberty Stadium
Kick-off: 7PM
LAST TIME OUT
A week last Sunday Elliott Dickman’s side boosted their chances of survival with a clinical win over Leicester City at the Stadium of Light. The Lads were on top throughout and they led after just 60 seconds, as Benji Kimpioka turned in the box before producing an assured finish. Luke Molyneux added a second with 20 minutes played before Sam Hughes pulled one back, but Jack Diamond got in the act following the hour mark to restore the Black Cats’ two-goal lead. And Molyneux wrapped up the points with 73 minutes played, to tee things up for tonight’s showdown with Swansea City.
HOW THINGS STAND
Two adrift with one to play. The young Black Cats must win at all costs at the Liberty Stadium and hope Derby County slip up against third-place Leicester City to stay in the Premier League 2. The Rams can afford to draw at the King Power Stadium but defeat and victory for Sunderland would see them safe on the final day of the season.
ELLIOTT DICKMAN SAYS
“We need more of the same from the lads. It is going to be a difficult game because Swansea are a lot more experienced and older than us. You never know what is going to happen. We know what our job is, and we have just got to go there and give it our best shot. Hopefully it is enough to keep us up. Tonight, will be a test because there is that bit of added pressure on the boys. We have a young team so of course we want to play against your Chelsea’s and Manchester City’s.”