Sunderland Under-21s return to action in the form of the Wear-Tyne derby on Monday afternoon, with Newcastle United visiting the Academy of Light (KO 1pm).
The young Lads earned a clean sheet in their last Premier League 2 outing against Norwich City, and can move to within two points of our rivals with victory.
The reverse fixture in late October provided a spectacular ending at St. James’ Park, as goalkeeper Alex Bass bundled home a 94th-minute equaliser to cancel out Joe White’s opener.
Selection from Graeme Murty and John Hewitson could depend on first-team involvement in the weekend’s Emirates FA Cup tie at Fulham, with Zak Johnson, Caden Kelly, Tommy Watson and Chris Rigg all having made the trip, whilst Nathan Newall has made a loan switch to Darlington.
Newcastle have lost their last three PL2 games since the draw between the two neighbours last time out, along with four of five Premier League Cup group games played since. Our opponents, now overseen by Ben Dawson in an official capacity following former Lads coach Elliott Dickman’s departure, sit eighth in the Division 2 table, one place and five points ahead of Sunderland.
Family spectators are welcome at the Academy of Light for the U21 derby contest. Social media coverage of the match will be active via our dedicated Academy Twitter page, @AcademyOfLight.