Sunderland return to Sky Bet League One action this weekend as they take on the Usual Suspects, Portsmouth, at the Stadium of Light.
The Black Cats welcome Kenny Jackett’s Pompey on Saturday, kick-off 12:30pm, just days after sealing their route into round two of the Carabao Cup.
Marc McNulty produced a Man of the Match display as he opened his account for the club inside the opening minutes at the Wham Stadium on Tuesday.
The striker later turned provider for second-half substitute Charlie Wyke to bag his first of the season, after Aiden McGeady had netted a sublime second to regain the advantage following Stanley’s penalty.
The result sees Sunderland safely through into the second round where Premier League side Burnley await later this month.
The win comes as a boost to the Black Cats after drawing their opening two Sky Bet League One games at home to Oxford United and then away at recently relegated Ipswich Town.
Denver Hume and Dylan McGeouch, who missed the midweek trip to Stanley, returned to training on Thursday and are in contention to feature this weekend.
Glenn Loovens, Ethan Robson and Duncan Watmore remain out.
This weekend’s opposition, Portsmouth, head to the north east on the back of a 2-0 win over Tranmere Rovers last weekend.
A goal from Ben Close and a speculative strike from Tom Naylor secured their second home win of the week after an impressive display against Birmingham City in the Carabao Cup. That came after Shrewsbury Town had got the better of them on the opening day of the season at the New Meadow Stadium.
For Pompey, it’s been a period of adjustment as their new squad continues to gel without the likes of the prolific Jamal Lowe and the physical presence of Matt Clarke at the back.
The addition of John Marquis up top though, adds an obvious goal threat following his haul of 22 league strikes last term while Marcus Harness and Ellis Harrison bolster their options further in forward areas.
After five memorable meetings last term which saw two league games, a Wembley final and a two-legged battle in the Play-Offs – there’s no reason why this weekend’s match-up won’t be just as eventual as those games.
Ha’way The Lads!
DON’T MISS A KICK
Cash turnstiles will be in operation for today’s home match – full details available here.
Streaming passes will not be available for this game as it will be broadcast live on Sky Sports.
BBC Radio Newcastle’s Nick Barnes will be broadcasting live right here on safc.com from 11:30am.
As ever, there will be comprehensive coverage across our digital channels including safc.com’s matchday blog and live updates on Twitter via @SunderlandAFC.