Sunderland are back at the Stadium of Light this weekend as Burton Albion travel to Wearside.
The stakes are simple heading into Saturday’s game against the Brewers, with both the Lads and Nigel Clough’s side knowing that nothing but three points will do in the battle for survival.
Read everything you need to know ahead of the game below…
WIN AT ALL COSTS
It doesn’t matter how it happens, Chris Coleman’s men must win at all costs. Burton boss Clough will be relaying the same message to his players ahead of the game, with just one point separating the sides heading into the match-up. Sunderland remain bottom of the Sky Bet Championship, although they have lost just one of their last five games, with Burton sitting one point ahead in 23rd. The Brewers head into the game on a high having defeated Derby County last time out.
ELSEWHERE
Proceedings elsewhere in the Championship could have big ramifications come 5pm on Saturday. The Black Cats need to close the gap between themselves and safety, with Bolton Wanderers, Birmingham City and Barnsley the teams currently on the Black Cats’ hit list. Bolton and Birmingham both sit on 40 points heading into the weekend, with the Trotters facing a tough test at home to promoted Wolves, as the Blues entertain Sheffield United. Barnsley are also in action, as the Tykes travel to Leeds United.
TEAM NEWS
Sunderland’s fitness woes have depleted Coleman’s options throughout the campaign, and this weekend is no different. Donald Love, Lynden Gooch and Joel Asoro are expected to miss the remainder of the season, with Ty Browning, Jonny Williams and Duncan Watmore also unavailable for the final run-in. Bryan Oviedo will miss Saturday’s game against the Brewers, but John O’Shea, Billy Jones and Adam Matthews have trained ahead of the match-up, with George Honeyman also overcoming a bout of illness.
LAST MEETING
The Lads scored two late goals to give Chris Coleman his first win as Black Cats manager back in November. James Vaughan opened the scoring with a header in the 85th minute from Oviedo's cross, with Honeyman's finish sealing the points just a few minutes later. Burton's best chance fell to Marvin Sordell but the Lads shut them out, as they won for the first time since 13 August to move off the bottom of the table.
HOW TO FOLLOW
Cash turnstiles will NOT be in operation and further information is available by clicking here.
But if you’re unable to attend the game we have comprehensive coverage of all the action as it happens across our digital channels.
Nick Barnes and Gary Bennett will be in the commentary booth from 2pm, with minute-by-minute analysis available right here and across social media from Twitter to Instagram.