The stage is set and the preparations are done.
This evening Sunderland under-23s will go toe to toe with Newcastle United for a place in the last four of this year’s Premier League International Cup.
Here’s your all you need to know guide ahead of the tie…
INTERNATIONAL CUP SO FAR
The unbeaten Black Cats topped Group B thanks to wins over Hertha Berlin and Leicester City, and a draw against Legia Warsaw. Newcastle, meanwhile, progressed as one of two best-placed runners up, after Liverpool topped Group A on goal difference.
ELLIOTT DICKMAN SAYS
“We want to try and get through. It is important we stick to the game plan, we play to the best of our ability and hopefully that will be enough to get us through. The fact that it is Newcastle should be a big enough motivation for the players. It is another game but because it is Newcastle there is that extra bit of edge to it. It is down to each individual, but our job is to make sure we are organised. It is a one-off game but when you are in a cup competition like this we have got to give it everything they have got. We want to win, and we want to be in the semi-final.”
LUKE MOLYNEUX SAYS
“It is a massive game in the quarter-finals of the cup. There is a lot on it, we haven’t played Newcastle for a few years now, so it is a massive derby, at any level, and I’m really looking forward to it. I had been focusing on this game to make sure I was back fit for it. It is probably the biggest game of the season for us and after being out for three months it is nice to be back. It is at the Stadium of Light so hopefully a lot of people will turn out for it and if we can beat them it will be a special evening.”
HOW TO GET IN
Entry is priced at £3 for adults and £1 for over 65s and under 16s. All tickets will be sold via cash turnstiles on the day of the game and subject to ground regulations. Due to competition regulations, season card holders are not entitled to free entry to this game.
*Please note this match was due to take place at Eppleton CW but has been switched to the Stadium of Light.