Sunderland hit the road once again this weekend as they take on Bristol City this Saturday.
Ahead of the Sky Bet Championship fixture, here’s your all you need to know guide…
THE FIRST 30
Sunderland were left wondering what might have been last weekend when they slipped to defeat against Ipswich Town. After a high-octane opening where the Black Cats took the game to Town, two goals in the final 11 minutes of the first 45 changed the course of the afternoon, and with that the mood around the Stadium of Light. The early promise and hope had diminished as the second 45 wore on, leaving the Black Cats two points adrift and with work to do in their final 16 matches this season. Having tasted successive defeats, the task Chris Coleman is faced with is turning the tide once again so the Black Cats rekindle some of the form shown in December which saw them collect eight points from a possible 15.
THE ROBINS
Currently sixth, Lee Johnson’s side will be looking to strengthen their grip in the play-off places against Sunderland. It has been quite a season for Johnson's men having defeated Manchester United before taking part in a scintillating semi-final against Manchester City in the Carabao Cup. However, after being knocked out by Pep Guardiola's side, the Robins will be focusing their attentions on fending off Preston North End in the race to secure a play-off place come May. And if they are to do that then they will need to improve on their last eight league matches which has seen them win just twice. It had been thought that victory over Queens Park Rangers in their last home match might have paved the way for a better run of form, but defeat last Friday at Bolton Wanderers has left Johnson’s men with a point to prove yet again.
ROBBIN OUT
Chris Coleman revealed earlier this week that stopper Robbin Ruiter will be out for up to 12 weeks with a dislocated finger. The Dutchman had kept five clean sheets in his previous 11 appearances but will now be out of action until at least April. Adam Matthews, who spent last season on loan at Ashton Gate, is out while Jonny Williams and Paddy McNair are in contention to make return. Meanwhile, Lamine Kone and Marc Wilson are making progress in the treatment room and Jake Clarke-Salter is expected to return.
MIXED BAG
Neither Sunderland or Bristol City have held a superior upper hand in years gone by when looking at the history books. This weekend’s trip to Ashton Gate will be the Black Cats’ first since 1999! That day, Sunderland left with all three points after a Kevin Phillips penalty. With one win each in the previous two meetings, Sunderland will be looking to avoid Bristol doing the double over them having lost the fixture at the Stadium of Light in October 2017.
FOLLOW THE ACTION
There will be no match tickets on sale at Ashton Gate on the day for Sunderland fans.
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.