Sunderland head to Scunthorpe United tonight (kick-off 7:45pm) knowing only a win will be enough to secure a place in the knockout stages of the Leasing.com Trophy.
The Black Cats have been frustrated in their last two games, losing out to Leicester City’s second string in tonight’s cup before being held at home to Gillingham in round one of the Emirates FA Cup.
With a 600-mile round trip to Priestfield on the horizon as a result of that draw at the Stadium of Light, Phil Parkinson’s side will make the shorter trip to Sands Venue Stadium this evening first looking to keep their hopes of progressing alive.
Kicking off at 7:45pm, the Sunderland manager will be forced to make changes to his side as stopper Jon McLaughlin and full-back Conor McLaughlin, who started on Saturday, are both away on international duty.
Tom Flanagan, who was an unused substitute at the weekend, is also away with Northern Ireland for their upcoming international fixtures.
However, Lee Burge’s return to the bench has provided a boost for Parkinson after a spell out with a hip flexor injury.
Lynden Gooch and Charlie Wyke remain out while Denver Hume is back in contention after recovering from illness.
Only a win will be enough for the Black Cats to progress tonight after they lost out to the Foxes last Tuesday at the Stadium of Light,
Sunderland did, however, get group A off to a good start after they saw off League Two Grimsby Town 3-2 at the start of October.
Scunthorpe United, meanwhile, host Parkinson’s side knowing they just need a point to secure their place in the knockout stages of the competition.
Currently 21st in League Two, Paul Hurst’s side are three without a win and have only recorded one victory in their last five games in all competitions.
Knocked out of the Emirates FA Cup at the weekend after losing 4-1 at Crawley, Scunthorpe will be eyeing progression in this cup competition and they sit in pole position to do so.
DON’T MISS A KICK
Cash turnstiles will be available for Sunderland fans wishing to turn up and pay on the night.
Streaming passes are on sale for UK and international fans.
BBC Radio Newcastle’s Nick Barnes will be broadcasting live right here on safc.com from 7pm.
As ever, there will be comprehensive coverage across our digital channels including safc.com’s matchday blog and live updates on Twitter via @SunderlandAFC.
