Sunderland under-23s are in Premier League 2 action this evening when they welcome Manchester City.
Vying to build on from their last display in the competition when they defeated West Ham United at the start of February, Elliott Dickman knows victory could lift his team up to eighth.
However, to do that they will have to overcome a Manchester City side currently ninth, and with a game in hand over the Black Cats.
Read everything you need to know about the game below…
LAST TIME OUT…
Sunderland under-23s enter tonight’s match on the back of being knocked out of the Premier League Cup. Paddy McNair completed 90 minutes at St James’ Park and Jonny Williams played past the hour mark, but an under-23 XI bolstered by numerous first-team players was unable to avoid defeat at Exeter City. The Grecians crafted multiple opportunities before finding the breakthrough after 64 minutes, as Ryan Loft headed home. Alex Byrne doubled the home side’s lead nine minutes later, and defeat saw the Black Cats crash out of the Premier League Cup.
DICKMAN SAYS…
As staff we keep saying the same things and giving the players the same messages. There is plenty of consistency around the place but the big message is that when they cross that white line they need keep their end of the bargain. We have been pleased with certain aspects of what we’ve done but then we seem to slip up and we find ourselves asking the same questions as before. It can’t keep happening. Some of these lads want to forge a career in senior football and if they are serious about that then producing on a consistent basis is vital. Manchester City have got a lot of quality and a lot of good players. We are ready for the challenge and when you look at the kind of players they have, how can you not be motivated?
DIAMOND SAYS…
Last Sunday was a game that we expected to win. Sometimes it just happens though. It is football. We have learned a lot from it. It has been a long week, but everyone has learned from it and now we are just looking forward to tonight’s game. It is a good game to bounce back into. It is a big test and we are ready for it. We need to learn to adapt to different styles, but we are all learning – individually and as a team – from the games we are playing. Being in the under-23s is where I want to be. I’m still only a second-year scholar so it’s pushing me on and making me want to go even further. We have plenty of competition and that’s great.
WHEN, WHERE & HOW TO GET IN…
The game at Eppleton Colliery Welfare on Friday 16th February at 7pm.
Entry to the game is free for SAFC season card holders on production of their valid 2017-18 season card.
Entry for non-season card holders is priced at £3 for adults and £1 for over 65s and under 16s, available via cash sales on the day of the game. All tickets are sold subject to ground regulations.