Sunderland will face a familiar pre-season foe on Saturday when Jack Ross’ side take on Hartlepool United at Victoria Park (KO 3pm).
A pre-season staple, the Lads have faced Pools on five occasions in the last seven years, with the popular friendly fixture representing the perfect chance for local fans to catch a glimpse of their team ahead of the new campaign.
Over 2,000 tickets have already been snapped up the red and white army, with cash turnstiles in operation for those turning up on the day.
Ahead of kick-off, the clubs will come together to remember Neale Cooper who sadly passed away in May.
The Mill House Stand will be renamed the Neale Cooper Stand, sponsored by East Durham College, and tributes will be read out ahead of a minute’s applause as flowers are laid out in front of the stand.
Supporters attending the fixture are asked to take their places in the stadium ahead of the ceremony, which is expected to start at around 2.45pm.
After focusing on fitness against Darlington, Ross is expecting to see more from his side in and out of possession, with the boss urging the Lads to show more quality and more energy.
The Black Cats struck the woodwork on multiple occasions but couldn’t take chances last time out, as Jordan Nicholson’s early strike proved to be the winner at Blackwell Meadows.
Pools, meanwhile, were held to a 1-1 draw with Billingham Town one week ago in their first pre-season outing.
Matthew Bates’ side fell behind early in the second half, but they responded through trialist Harry Middleton.
The Lads’ starting XI is expected to be made up of players who featured for 30 minutes at Blackwell Meadows, with the likes of George Honeyman, Dylan McGeough, Callum McManaman and Josh Maja probable starters.
FOLLOW THE ACTION
Cash turnstiles are in operation and further information is available by clicking here.
BBC Radio Newcastle’s Nick Barnes will be broadcasting live right here on safc.com from 2.30pm.
As ever, there will be comprehensive coverage across our digital channels including safc.com’s matchday blog and live updates on Twitter via @SunderlandAFC.