Sunderland are back in action on Friday evening as they travel to play-off chasing Derby County (KO 7.45pm).
Following a two-week international break, the Lads face big weekend of Sky Bet Championship action with six points on offer as Chris Coleman’s men play two games in four days.
Ahead of tomorrow’s trip to the iPro Stadium, read all you need to know in our preview below…
THE RUN-IN
Eight games to play. 24 points to play for. Five points from safety. Time is running out for the Black Cats but the Easter weekend could provide the catalyst for survival as the Lads take on Derby on Friday before hosting Sheffield Wednesday on Monday. Both games are more than winnable, with the Rams’ top-six aspirations faltering in recent weeks as Wednesday effectively play for little more than pride. Within the space of nine days, Coleman’s men will also face Leeds United and Norwich City in a period that is likely to make or break their season, with just six weeks of the 2017-18 season remaining.
TALK IS CHEAP
At his pre-match press conference, Coleman admitted ‘talk is cheap’ and urged his players to step up to the plate and deliver. The Black Cats have gone ten games without a win and, although they remain firmly in the battle for survival, the Welshman will be keen to see his side bridge the gap to safety. Last time out they were beaten by Preston North End at the Stadium of Light, with three consecutive defeats leaving them rooted to the bottom of the table. But Coleman still believes his players are more than capable of picking up the results needed to move out of the bottom three.
ASORO OUT
Sunderland have been dealt a blow ahead of Friday’s game with Joel Asoro ruled out of action. The Sweden under-21 ace suffered a head injury during the international break and Coleman confirmed he won’t feature on Good Friday, but he could return on Easter Monday. Billy Jones will also miss Friday’s game after getting an injection in his knee, but Marc Wilson is in contention after returning to training. Jake Clarke-Salter is suspended. Derby, meanwhile, have top scorer Matej Vydra fit again, while midfielder Kasey Palmer (knee) will be assessed. Tom Huddlestone will serve a one-game ban, but Joe Ledley, George Thorne, Tom Lawrence, Cameron Jerome, Richard Keogh and David Nugent are all set to return.
FOLLOW THE ACTION
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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 7pm, with minute-by-minute analysis available right here and across social media from Twitter to Instagram.